This content contains affiliate links. For centuries meats and fish have been salted and smoked to limit spoilage, so they could be safely eaten for extended periods. In todays guide Im going to show you how to smoke chicken thighs in just 10 easy steps. This temperature will ensure that any bacteria that were present in the raw chicken will be completely killed and no longer able to cause illness. Also, you should stay away from the following: Crispy skin is the perfect compliment to tasty, juicy insides of your chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are fatty enough to remain moist and juicy at 185 F, while breasts are better at the lower temperature. Im a big fan of easy smoker recipes. Finally, prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer's directions. Measure internal temperature with a probe thermometer. Place your chicken on the grill grates or on a baking pan if using the oven. Use a digital oven thermometer to track the temperature on the grill grate. After 10-15 minutes, remove the thighs from the smoker and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Best of all, thighs are more forgiving, since theres no harm in overcooking the thighs. Starting with the brine, fill a tub with one gallon of water. Additionally, TheOnlineGrill.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. 157F for a minimum of 28 seconds. Just remember that when the grill is this hot, youll need to turn the thighs every 4-5 minutes to prevent burning. Take the smoked chicken thighs out of the grill. Chicken thighs are fatty enough to remain moist and juicy at 185 F, while breasts are better at the lower temperature. This is because we want our thighs to all take about the same amount of time, and we want to reliably estimate when theyll be done by. 1. Place the thighs fat side down on the baking sheet after the oven is ready. Rub both sides of the meat and get some under the skin too. This simple rub recipe boasts a beautiful blend of paprika and chili powder to give your chicken thighs a kick when fresh out the smoker. 3. Put the tub in your fridge and leave for one hour. Be sure to rub the meat on both sides, covering the entire cut. Place lid on tub. To avoid overcooking your chicken thighs, ensure they are at the right temperature and cooked for the right amount of time. Brining is an often forgotten step but its super important to help retain moisture in meat. If youre grilling the thighs at 450 degrees, cooking an 8-ounce chicken breast to 180 will only take a few minutes longer than cooking it to 165. Here are some of our favorite complimentary side dishes for this wonderful meal: Yes! If you dont have a smoker, not a problem! Trim off excess fat and skin. In fact, its encouraged. Usually, smoking meat requires a low and slow approach. As such, you may find that the best option is to use a higher heat. Chicken Thighs at 375 F- 45-50 minutes. Roll into a cylindrical shape. One by one, use tongs to dunk and smother your thighs in the sauce. Many saucesincluding barbecue saucehave a lot of sugar in them, which means theyll burn if you add them too early. Mesquite (great for smoking but too strong on smokey flavor it would overpower chicken), Softwoods (completely unsafe for cooking). Let the smoked thighs rest for 10 minutes. (You can always pull the smallest chicken breasts off and let larger ones cook a little longer.). We recommend grilling boneless thighs at around 400 degrees, but its better to raise the temperature to 450 for bone-in thighs. First its important to understand what makes chicken thighs one of the best meats to smoke. IT IS INTERESTING: Is vegetable oil the same as olive oil for baking? Try cutting boneless skinless chicken thighs into strips and seasoning them with curry powder, then grilling and serving them with peanut sauce and quick-pickled cucumbers. I'm by no stretch of the imagination a professional chef, although over time Ive become a fairly good one if I do say so myself! Inconsistent sizes will lead to messy cooking times as youll have to be constantly checking on the progress of each individual thigh. Remember, we dont want to take off the skin just any excessive overhanging sections of fat. Just remember that mesquite wood is very strong and will be quite powerful, so think carefully before using it. It generally goes well with all cuts of chicken, but I think it matches the fat content of thighs perfectly. How to Smoke a Fresh Ham Recipe, Tips, and Complete Guide, Whats the Best Wine With Steak? Our Top Pairing Suggestions. Once the hour is up, remove the tub from the fridge. Chicken thighs are technically done cooking when theyve reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you keep the temperature low and cook it slowly. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Pop the leg off. Smoked in, The best way to smoke pork Boston butt. Hot smoking requires temperatures of 165 F to 185 F, which gradually cooks the meat or poultry without creating harsh flavors. One of the mistakes many beginners make is under doing it remember, chicken thighs can absorb a lot of flavor and the goal is to get the most out of the meat. Season the chicken with bold ingredients. It has a meatier flavor than the breasts, but it still partners well with bold spice rubs and zesty marinades. How Long to Cook a Chicken Hindquarter Can You Cook Bone-in Chicken in a Metal Fred Decker is a trained chef and prolific freelance writer. You dont need a ton of seasoning, especially if you will be using BBQ sauces at the end. 145F for a minimum of 8 minutes, 24 seconds. Since you smoke foods with low temperatures, it can be hard to tell exactly when food is safely cooked all the way through. Foods can be either hot-smoked or cold-smoked, depending on the result you're looking for. Sprinkle a generous amount of the spice rub on each thigh piece. Cold-smoking takes place at temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and commercial smokehouses sometimes have refrigerated smokers to ensure food safety. It will take around 1 12 - 2 hours to smoke chicken thighs at 225 degrees F. Cooking the chicken low and slow until it is about 10-15 degrees away from being fully done is my preferred method. You simply wont achieve the crispy layer that you often get with grilled chicken because our smoking temperature is too low. The bones and skin will imbue the chicken with a richer flavor, and the . The type of wood you use in your fire can make a big difference on the outcome of your flavor. That first bite of warm, juicy smoked chicken smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce will send you straight to heaven! Even without adding the BBQ sauce at the end, these chicken thighs will be juicy and full of flavor. Chicken thighs are really underrated. This means that you can consume the meat without worrying about getting sick. 152F for a minimum of 1 minute, 30 seconds. Required fields are marked *. The fattier thighs and legs can handle more heat, but the wing tips can burn unless you shield them from the heat or foil the tips. Thankfully, thigh contains so much dark meat and fat, its difficult to get them wrong. You could also sear your chicken before it goes on the smoker or do the reverse sear and give your thighs a sear after theyre finished smoking. I like to take chicken thighs to 170-175 internal temperature. Often, when chicken thighs are overcooked it is because they have been left to cook for too long. Because the temperature is high, smoking chicken thighs at 275F will have the shortest cooking time. Heres how to create a simple brine to help your meat retain its moisture: If you need a brining method, then check out my chicken wing brine recipe. Each type of wood produces different flavored smoke some are ideal for chicken and some are not. With this simple seasoning, you can serve them with any of your favorite sauces. The answer to this is: it depends! Because chicken breasts consist of white meat, they cook fast, making them a good choice for beginners. T-Bone vs Porterhouse Steak Whats the Difference? Skin can be difficult when it comes to smoked chicken. You may also want to consider using marinades and rubs that have moisture-packed ingredients such as olive oil and other sauces. Trim excess fat off the chicken and season all sides with the spice blend. Get recipes, BBQ tips & regular discounts straight to your inbox! Cut all the way through. The thigh meat, on the other hand, contains higher amounts of protein and fat. 5. Step 3: Smoke the chicken. This is called the low and slow technique. Boneless and skinless thighs should be ready in 1 to 1-1/2 hours, depending on how large they are. Remove the chicken from the grill, and place them on a clean cutting board or platter. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Difference Between Fryer & Roaster Chicken, Garde Manger: The Art and Craft of the Cold Kitchen; Culinary Institute of America, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen; Harold McGee. While we're on the subject, let's talk about the overall cooking time for chicken thighs. Cook the chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F. This can take 90 minutes to 2 hours. Well be cooking for 2 hours at 225F, or until the internal temperature of the thighs hits 165F. Personally I like to use applewood for chicken thighs. Preheat the smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F. Place the chicken, skin side up on the smoker. Since you need to wait until it hits that 165-degree threshold anyway, you probably wont even notice the extra time. Place chicken thighs skin side up on grill grates of Traeger. What temperature to smoke chicken? I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. Internal temperature is the best indicator that your meat is done. Try to make sure that the thighs are fairly consistent in size. Transfer to refrigerator and leave for one hour. Instead of color, rely on the thermometer. Remove thighs from brine and pat down with paper towels. REST: Let the chicken thighs rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the juices to flow back into the meat. Then place chicken thighs directly onto the grill grate in the preheated smoker. Once preheated, gently place your prepared chicken thighs on your smoker skin side down. In order to achieve crispy skin, youll need to expose your food to high heat for a small amount of time. Add 1 cup of coarse salt, and stir in until fully dissolved. This BBQ smoked chicken thighs recipe is no different. If the temperature has reached 165F or higher, the smoked chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once you have covered all of the thighs, put them back in the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes. Conversely, if you're using an electric or direct-heat smoker, and the intended finished internal temperature is 165F for whole chickens and 180F for bone-in parts , then smoking should be done within that range of . Add your chicken thighs to the salt water, submerging all of them. This is the case even if the meat still has a pinkish tinge to it when you take it off the heat. While smoker heats up, make the rub by mixing all rub ingredients in a bowl. Increase the temperature to 400F and cook for another 15-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165F. Do your research though and try to get the best quality you can, without breaking the bank. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 165F. Step 4. Chicken Thighs at 425 F- 35-40 minutes. White meat chicken (found in chicken breasts and chicken thighs) should reach an internal temperature of 165 and remain at that temperature for at least 30 seconds. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the entire bottle of your chosen BBQ sauce. Not only are they much cheaper than wings or legs, but theyre also a much darker meat, making them packed full of flavor. The cool thing about this technique that I have . Cooked low and slow for hours over apple and hickory for the. When the temperature in the smoking chamber is in the 275-300 F range, place the seasoned chicken thighs on the rack or directly onto the grate, near the heat & smoke source. As a rule, the bigger the piece of meat, the more it should be flipped. The reason is because the skin helps to absorb and impart flavor onto your food, and also helps to retain moisture levels. Smoke thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes, and serve. Place seasoned thighs into smoker. To impart some added flavor onto the meat were going to make use of my favorite BBQ chicken rub recipe. How long does smoked chicken thighs take to smoke? Its the only true test of doneness, assuming that the thermometer is in good working condition. There are a few different pieces of equipment youll need to smoke chicken thighs. If you're hot-smoking, three to four hours at 185 F should be enough to cook your thighs to a food-safe internal temperature of 165 F. If you're smoke-roasting your thighs on a charcoal kettle at 200 F to 225 F, it will take your thighs approximately two hours to reach that temperature. Try to get chicken thighs that are uniform in thickness and size that way they all cook at the same time. Smoked chicken thighs taste incredible coated in a simple homemade seasoning, infused with your favorite smoke flavor, and slathered in BBQ sauce. If youre using a smoker to cook the chicken thighs, you should see pink no matter how long you leave them on the heat. Also rub under the skin as best as possible. Smoke at 200F for 30 minutes. If you have a charcoal-based smoker or kettle barbecue, you can smoke-roast your chicken thighs at . Recipe Instructions Preheat a smoker to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C).Combine salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano Smoke thighs using cherry wood for 1 hour. How long does it take to grill chicken thighs at 350? Place all of the chicken pieces down in a large ziploc bag and pour about 1 cup of olive oil over the top of the chicken. Propane vs Charcoal Grills: The Ultimate Comparison, 20 Beginner Friendly Smoker Recipes: Ribs, Chicken, Vegetables And More. Cure your chicken thighs first by brining them overnight, or as directed in your recipe. Insert an instant digital read thermometer probe into the center of the thickest chicken, into the thickest part, diagonally, not touching the bone. Place chicken thighs in water, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged. The reasoning behind this is that oftentimes, larger pieces of meat will require the wood chunks to be changed, allowing you to flip the meat at the same time to ensure an even cook. Either way, crank up your heat to 400F. Because the meat contains a great deal of collagen, though, they have a juicier and more succulent texture when you cook them to at least 180 degrees. In truth, chicken is safe to consume as long as the internal temperature has hit that 165-degree marker. Their fat content makes them delicious smoked, and they take next to no time at all to cook when compared to other types of meat. Feel free to add a little more rub. Chicken Thighs at 400 F- 40-45 minutes. While were on the subject, lets talk about the overall cooking time for chicken thighs. Add hickory, apple, or cherry wood for extra flavor, if desired, Thoroughly combine rub ingredients in a bowl, Apply a thin outer coat of olive oil to all of the chicken thighs, Apply a generous amount of rub to each chicken thigh. That being said, you can flip them if you prefer to. I smoke just about everything at225. Turn the Pit Boss pellet grill smoker temperature up to 400 degrees F. Lightly baste the smoked chicken thighs with the BBQ sauce. In this guide, well take you through the finer points of chicken thighs and their ideal internal temperature. Smoke them for about 2 to 2-1/2 hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, sprinkle seasoning all over and toss until all thighs are evenly coated. (When in doubt, always go with this standard temperature.). After your chicken has been thoroughly seasoned, its time to go on the smoker. Transfer thighs to smoker and close door/lid. This can be done by pulling back the skin and removing the fat from the underside of the skin until it turns translucent. As such, avoid using olive oil and other liquids on the chicken. How Do You Make Smoked Chicken Skin Crispy? But, I do love a nice coating of White BBQ Sauce on top. When we put thighs on the smoker, the goal is to bring out as much of the flavor as possible while retaining as much juice as possible. Chicken thighs, as with any other type of food, can be overcooked. Combine thoroughly and then apply to thighs. This is a higher level than other types of meat, such as pork or beef. Place the smoked chicken thighs back in the smoker and smoke for a few minutes before flipping the chicken thighs over. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Smoke the chicken at 225 degrees F. for about 1 -2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If desired, brush the chicken with a mop mixture of apple cider vinegar, apple cider and dry rub to help tenderize the chicken and keep it moist. Keep an eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed. Now that we have two hours to play with, lets prepare something delicious to accompany our thighs: A kicking BBQ sauce. Use shredder or forks to pull chicken meat. In previous careers, he sold insurance and mutual funds, and was a longtime retailer. Many grilling recipes call for chicken thighs rather than breasts. Transfer to drying racks or to dry paper towel surface. I smoke just about everything at 225. Insert your knife between the body of the chicken and the leg. Close the lid, and let them cook for another 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175-180 degrees F and the sauce has caramelized. Many amateur chefs assume that chicken meat is only cooked through when they can no longer see any pink in the meat. Be sure to coat both sides and under the skin with rub, Smoke thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Place in the heat for about 4 minutes, then remove, serve, and enjoy! Well share our favorite rub below that uses common pantry ingredients, but you can also feel free to use your own! In general, boneless thighs should cook for 10 to 12 minutes, while bone-in thighs might take 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the right temperature. Remember, you can substitute your favorite rub or seasonings for ours to customize your experience! Personally, my favorites are kamado smokers or offset smokers, but you can also make delicious food with a pellet smoker, electric smoker, or gas smoker. Cooks for 2 hours at 225F, or until the thickest part of the thigh has reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Put your seasoned thighs on the smoker. If the grill temperature is any lower, it might take a few more minutes for the meat to reach the 180-degree mark. Heres why. Whichever you choose, add about one cups worth and stir it in over the heat. TheOnlineGrill.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Because white meat chicken is so lean, it's best to cook it at hot temperatures. Press the rub into the chicken to ensure adherence. On average, chicken thighs smoked at 250F should be smoked for 2 1/2-3 hours. Overcooked chicken does not make for a pleasant eating experience (unless your goal is some chicken jerky, of course). Its also more hygienic, which cant be a bad thing! If you'd like to try home smoking, chicken thighs are a good choice. Smoking meat is a very popular way of cooking. Baste the chicken thighs with barbecue sauce, then cook for another 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set. If you dont own one, now is the time to pick one up! Cook until the thighs to reach an internal temperature of 170 F. Allow the thighs to rest in foil for 10 minutes. Chicken is the most popular protein and for a good reason. You should also keep in mind that any moisture will be detrimental to crispiness. That depends on the temperature of the grill or smoker. Place chicken thighs on the smoker racks and smoke for 1 to 2 hours, or until cooked through. 3. Heat until the sauce is to your temperature preference (dont let it boil!). Chicken needs to be smoked for 45 minutes per pound of meat. If your butcher has free-range chicken thighs available, use those instead of the supermarket variety. The exact time will depend on how thick or thin the chicken is. If you have a pre-packaged or pre-bought rub then shake it generously over the thighs. So what should you be aiming for? How Do You Keep Chicken Moist When Smoking? Thats not all. 150F for a minimum of 2 minutes, 42 seconds. A rub is simply a mix of seasoning and flavoring ingredients that are combined and applied to the outside of your meat before it goes on the cooker. Put thighs back in smoker and cook for a further 10-15 minutes. Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the piece of meat, diagonally, not touching the bone. We recommend grilling boneless thighs at around 400 degrees, but it's better to raise the temperature to . Use your knife to separate the leg from the thigh. With this in mind, if your chicken is a whole, large chicken, then it may need to be flipped. However, with meat such as chicken, people often desire to have the best of both worlds smoky flavors but crispy outer textures. One of the best parts of any BBQ meal is the sides! Mild fruit woods are the best for delicate meats such as chicken, so save your oak and mesquite for steaks. Smoked Chicken Wings These wings have a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. If you have a charcoal-based smoker or kettle barbecue, you can smoke-roast your chicken thighs at temperatures of 200 F to 225 F. That's usually the lowest temperature they'll reliably maintain. When its heated, collagen is converted to gelatin. Add one cup of coarse salt to the water and sit the salt in until dissolved. Continue to smoke the chicken until the thighs reach a temperature of 170-175 degrees F. Remove, rest, serve, and enjoy! This will keep it moisturized for longer and keep the meat moist. What wood chips are best for smoking chicken? They're inexpensive, flavorful and easy to work with. The breasts will have a sandpaper-like texture if you overcook them, but the thigh meat will be moist and succulent even at higher temps. Use only powdered ingredients to rub it, and pat the chicken dry first. This is easier to do than you may think, and can happen for several reasons. So Im gonna show you how to take simple chicken thighs and turn them into something incredible with a mix of just 5 simple spices and a couple hours on the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 275F. There is no set time for how long you smoke chicken thighs. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about smoking chicken thighs:How Long Do You Smoke Chicken Thighs?There is no set time for how long you smoke chicken thighs. Place chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, sprinkle seasoning all over and toss until all thighs are evenly coated. Your email address will not be published. Be sure to cover as much as you can of the thigh. Prepare chicken while the smoker is preheating. Charcoal smokers are harder to regulate, and are often better suited to smoke-roasting. However, if youre cooking the thighs alone, we would recommend waiting until the internal temperature registers at least 180 before taking them off the heat. How Much Charcoal Should I Use In My Grill? If you do have a variety in sizes, always judge by the largest one. One of the biggest differences between chicken thighs and drumsticks is the fat and meat content, making it a more forgiving chicken cut. Lump charcoal is also a great option to fuel your fire, which comes in different types of wood flavors. Rest the thighs for 5-10 minutes, then serve hot (with extra BBQ sauce and napkins), and enjoy! 155F for a minimum of 45 seconds. We want to hear about it reach out to us in the comments section below. One of the most important if not the most important parts of the BBQ setup is choosing the best smoking wood for chicken. Best Wine with Lobster Our Pairing Suggestions & Guide. Our rub recipe is simple, to the point, and delicious, but more on that later. Close the lid immediately. Check out our guide for how long to grill chicken next. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the smoker. Chicken thighs take a bit longer to cook than the breasts, but their flavor is superior, and the process is more forgiving. Typically chicken thighs cook on the smoker for an hour and a half to two hours, but really youre cooking them until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165F. If youre a fan of chicken thighs, you should definitely try them smoked! 154F for a minimum of 56 seconds. On the other hand, if your chicken is small, or if they are chicken thighs or wings, you will not need to flip them. Its not necessarily a bad impulse, but this isnt a rule that you should rely on. Its very important that you generously apply your rub to your chicken thighs! Transfer thighs to smoker and close door/lid. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. How long does smoked chicken thighs take to smoke? Pat them dry with clean paper towels and let them dry overnight in your refrigerator, uncovered. Chicken is usually hot-smoked at higher temperatures, with the smoke-producing fire or heating element in the same chamber as the food. If you want to take your smoked chicken thighs to the next level of flavor, you can also place them in the oven for a few minutes on high heat at the end to crisp the outer skin! Chicken Thighs at 350 F- 50-55 minutes. 3 tbsp bbq seasoning rub. They can handle longer and hotter than other types of chicken such as the breast, but that doesnt mean you should just leave them at a high temperature for a long time. Use your hands to ensure even coverage over both sides of the thighs. The only way to know for sure is by utilizing a probe thermometer. Thankfully, chicken thighs tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum without necessarily compromising on quality. How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out Before It Goes Bad? Close the lid and smoke for 3 hours. All poultry products should be safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily this is possible but it can take some practice. One reason for this is that the meat is more flavorful. Can Chicken Thighs Be Pink in the Middle. When the smoker is ready, insert an instant digital read thermometer probe into the center of the thickest chicken, into the thickest part, diagonally. Thankfully, brining isnt complicated to do. In our opinion, the results will be worth the wait. After the first hour of smoking, bump the temp up to 300F and let the chicken smoke for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the chicken hits 185F on a meat thermometer. If youre unsure of which type of fuel to use, we recommend using hickory, apple, or cherry wood (or any combination thereof) to help flavor your smoke. The truth is, much of this is down to personal preference. Smoke chicken until it reaches 170 and take it off the grill. 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. 160F for a minimum of 14 seconds. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. So its little wonder why they prove popular. Whats the best temperature for smoking chicken thighs? Remove thighs from smoker and place on cooking surface. While your smoker preheats, its a great time to trim a little bit of fat off of your chicken thighs, if necessary. If you are cooking thighs with the skin on, place skin side down. Even though I love firing up the smoker for a long brisket or rib smoke, sometimes iss nice to fire it up for a food thats a little easier and doesnt take quite as long. 2. This is the standard smoking temperature for a lot of meats, and chicken thighs are no different. On average, it will take 2 1/2 - 3 hours (larger ones can take up to 4 hours). For best results, arrange your thighs on the racks with ample space between them for the smoke to circulate. The ingredients are all cheap, and as far as smoker recipes go this one takes the least time and delivers tasty results. The length of time to Bake Chicken Thighs. Read the temperature. Chopped Pork vs Pulled Pork: Preparation Tips & Techniques. This can be done either on the grill or in your oven after youre done smoking chicken thighs. There is a lot of debate over whether meat needs to be flipped when it is in the smoker. The times specified for each of the temperatures must be . When evenly pulled, move chicken to a large bowl. Cut right down the middle, slightly to the side of the backbone. Compared to chicken breast, chicken thighs are naturally much higher in fat content, and as such remain moist and are much more flavorful than chicken breast. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Apply a generous amount of rub to each chicken thigh. (When in doubt, always go with this standard temperature.) While smoker heats up, make the rub by mixing all rub ingredients in a bowl. Do this before applying your rub. If you have made your own (and if not, be sure to check out our ideas for the best BBQ rubs), then combine all the ingredients for it in a medium-size bowl. You should still keep a close eye on the thighs to prevent the outsides from burning, but cooking them past 180 degrees wont do them any harm. Electric smokers provide the most reliable temperature control for home cooks, while professionals often have gas-powered models. If you serve chicken thighs at 165 degrees, theyll still taste fine and be safe to consume. Remember, too, that smoked meat always has that reddish hue just beneath the skin. Although the USDA recommends chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If desired, at this point, use a brush to baste the chicken with BBQ sauce. Does it Take a Long Time to Cook Chicken Thighs to 180? Apply generously and aim to work into all areas of the chicken skin. Then shake over the meat. Its really hard to go wrong with smoking chicken thighs. Rotate and flip thighs and continue smoking Man, my mouth is watering now that Ive got smoked chicken thighs on my mind! Cold smoking takes place in a chamber that's separated from the fire, so the temperature stays low and the food isn't cooked during smoking. Smoke for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. But slow down there, my, Cold smoked salmon is the perfect way to enjoy one of our favorite plates of fish. In a rush? Preheat smoker to 250F. When it comes to serving meat to family and friends, you can never go wrong with chicken. Get your BBQ smoked pork loin right every time with our time guide and recipe. Light your fire and preheat your smoker to 250F. Use your hands to rub in the meat rub. You should try and smoke your chicken at a starting temperature of 225 degrees and then raise this to 300 degrees later on. Place the chicken skin side up on the smoker over indirect heat. This is especially important with smoking because it can leave meat exposed to warm temperatures for hours at a time, making it prone to drying out. For mild and fruity flavor, use apple, maple, or cherry. Combine seasonings in a small bow and mix well, until completely incorporated. Before you get started preparing your chicken, it makes the most logistical sense to get your smoker started. Combine thoroughly and then apply to thighs. When you buy your chicken thighs at the store, they will more than likely have the skin still attached. Once the two hours are up, or your chickens internal temperature has reached 165F, remove the thighs from the smoker. The minimum internal temperature, according to the USDA, of any cut of chicken should be 165. This tenderizes the meat in addition to lending it moisture. On average, it will take2 1/2 3 hours (larger ones can take up to 4 hours). Smoked Chicken Thighs Temperature: Smoke the thighs until the internal temperature reaches 155F (about 1 1/2 hours). This dries them out and gives them a slightly tacky surface, called the "pellicle," which helps the thighs retain the flavor of the smoke. Indirect-heat smokers and water smokers should smoke the chicken thighs at a low temperature, between 250 and 300 degrees. Fill up a tub with a gallon of water. Apply a thin outer coat of olive oil to all of the chicken thighs. The other component to delicious smoked chicken thighs is your rub. Your email address will not be published. Lets get into it! 4. Depending on the size of your thighs, this will take roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete. Once the chicken has finished cooking, dunk them in the glaze and cover them entirely. The correct length of time for smoking your chicken thighs will vary. Watch the chicken so that it doesnt burn. Typically, smoking chicken thighs takes about 1.5 to 2 hours when smoking at 250F, but you should be cooking until they reach a safe internal temperature without regard to how long theyve been on the smoker. How long does it take to smoke chicken thighs? Put the skin back. You will need garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coarse salt, and paprika. Cooking time will typically between 1.5 to 2 hours, Remove from smoker. If youre adding a sauce to the chicken, wait until the meat is almost done cooking. Chicken thighs absorb flavor really well, so they can be infused with that delicious smokey BBQ flavor on the smoker in a relatively short amount of time. The thigh meat contains more fat than the breasts, so you may need to move it around to avoid flare-ups. Cook at a smoker temperature of 275 F until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 172 F. The cooking time can be from one hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the size of the thighs. Whole Smoked Chicken it is so much better than chicken roasted in the oven or rotisserie. Whether or not you prefer to remove the skin before eating, youll want to cook your thighs with the skin on. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. At the halfway point, flip the chicken thighs over and resume smoking. Season on all sides of chicken thigh generously with spice rub. On its own though, chicken can be quite boring. Repeat on the other side. Brining helps the meat retain as much of its moisture as possible. First and foremost, youll obviously need a smoker if you dont have one already. Exceeding this temperature can result in dry, chewy chicken. Prepare the smoker first and then take the time while the smoker is preheating to prep the chicken. However, this is not ideal to get a crispy texture. This chicken will be good with just about any wood you choose. Tent the chicken with a sheet of aluminum foil loosely and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Increase the heat to 375F to ensure a crispy skin. How to take the temperature of bone-in meat? A smoker temperature of 250 degrees calls for an estimated cooking time of about 2 hours for bone-in chicken thighs. Also try to get some spare. At home it's safer to hot-smoke your chicken. Pellet Grill Steaks How to Fire Up a Delicious Steak on Your Traeger, Pit Boss, Etc. This is why a good instant-read thermometer is every grillers best friend. Once your chicken is looking good and at the right temp, remove them from the smoker. We would recommend using this number as a benchmark when grilling chicken thighs. Combine seasonings in a small bow and mix well, until completely incorporated. Its an incredibly important tool for any pit master. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. The ideal internal temperature for smoked chicken is 165 F in the breast, and 175 F in the thigh and legs. Step Three: Evenly cover thighs with the chicken rub. We prefer to use bone-in thighs when using the smoker. Cover and insert an instant-read thermometer into a vent in the lid; maintain a temperature between 225 and 250 degrees Then I crank up the heat to crisp the skin and get the internal temperature to 165 degrees F is my preferred method. The fact that theyre quite cheap means that we have the luxury of chucking a couple should they turn out dud. Pop off the wings one at a time using a knife. Apply BBQ sauce to thighs by either dunking them, or using a bbq brush to apply it. At the end of the day, smoking chicken thighs is a practical and delicious way to get use out of your smoker. Step Four: Smoke the chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Remove thighs from smoker and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Our ideal temperature for chicken thighs if 225 degrees Fahrenheit, or 107C. If you're cold-smoking, five to seven hours will give your chicken thighs ample smoke flavor. Remove thighs from smoker and leave to rest for 10 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil. Use a basting brush to apply olive oil to both sides of the thigh pieces. Apply generously and aim to work into all areas of the chicken skin. Finally, remember that these are only guidelines, and not concrete rules. Here are some hardwoods that work great with chicken: There are other woods that are suitable, but these are the best. Modern farming techniques and refrigeration have made fresh meats inexpensive and readily available all year-round, but smoked and cured meats are still popular just because they taste good. However, the meat will be a bit chewy. In general, boneless thighs should cook for 10 to 12 minutes, while bone-in thighs might take 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the right temperature. From there, its time to put together your spice rub. When the smoker is ready, place thicken on the grate of the smoker. All of these types of woods work beautifully with chicken. The chicken thighs need to reach an internal temperature of 165F. At this temperature, the bacteria that cause salmonella poisoning are killed off quickly. Smoke for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175F. Try to get . Breaking out the BBQ smoker for a chicken thigh cook-off? When you wait until theyve hit the 180-degree mark, theyll be tender and juicy, with a silken texture. After 1 hour, flip the chicken over to the other side and continue cooking for another 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until their internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (this will take a little more time depending on how . Pour the rub over the chicken as well then zip the top and roll/toss the chicken around until all of the chicken is well coated with the rub/oil mixture. Next, put your instant-read thermometer in, horizontally through each side into the thickest part of the thigh meat. Open the smoker lid and place the whole, seasoned and trussed chicken on the smoker grill grates. Step 3. They become unpleasantly dry if theyre overcooked. I highly recommend including a water pan or water/drip pan to the lower rack of the smoker, under the meat. Prime Rib vs Ribeye Whats the Difference? Hot smoking requires temperatures of 165 F to 185 F, which gradually cooks the meat or poultry without creating harsh flavors. How Long To Smoke Chicken Thighs at 275? Thighs are also a better choice for the grill because theyre capable of withstanding high heat without drying out. differences between chicken thighs and drumsticks, super important to help retain moisture in meat, Smoked Pork Loin [Temperatures, Times & Pro Tips], How to Grill Chicken on a Gas Grill (7 Easy Steps), How to Cold Smoke Salmon [Brine, Cure & Recipe], Smoked Pork Butt [BBQ Boston Butt Recipe], Smoked Korean Spare Ribs [Gochujang BBQ Pork Ribs], 17 Best Christmas BBQ Ideas & Recipes (Grilling, Smoking & More), Smoked Chicken Drumsticks [Easy BBQ Legs]. Smoked Chicken Thighs - Allrecipes . Chicken thighs contain a great deal of collagen, a protein thats responsible for providing strength to muscle tissue. Be sure to coat both sides and under the skin with rub. These beautiful smoked chicken thighs are brined, rubbed, and then cooked low and slow to produce the ultimate cut of succulent, slow-smoked meat. They can take between 20 to 30 miniatures if they are boneless thighs, or around 15 minutes more if the bone is left in. Made with a salt-water, Smoked hot dog burnt ends are the perfect dish if you want to smoke something cheap and easy. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. The dark meat cooks at a slower pace than the breasts, so you should rely on this number to determine whether the entire bird is done. If the sauce is quite thick then add your choice of either beer or cola to thing it out a little. To crisp the skin . In addition, Ill share all of the knowledge you need to know to help you become a bona fide chicken thigh smoking expert. The exact time will depend on how thick or thin the chicken is. There are quite a few different types of smokers out there, many of which are capable of smoking delicious chicken! Lastly, its important to have an understanding of the role that the skin during the smoking process. If you want to prevent the rub getting stuck to your fingers then you can use rubber gloves to help make the process a bit cleaner. Learn how to defrost chicken quickly. When youre roasting or grilling a whole chicken, check the temperature by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. For a strong wood flavor, use woodf chips like hickory or Jack Daniels blend. Today Im going to share with you a delicious smoked chicken thighs recipe thats simple and sure to please the crowd. Copyright 2022 BBQ Host. Insert a meat probe into the biggest chicken thigh and close your smoker. It may even be a mixture of both of these reasons! The downside? The best way to do this is to use a baking tray. When you are smoking chicken and you want to keep it moist, the best thing to do is to cook it at a low temperature and ensure you take your time. The only way to be sure is to check the temperature using a calibrated meat thermometer. Use a digital meat thermometer. Start with a quality product. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the thighs, the actual temperature of the grill, and even outside factors like the weather. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Set up your smoker and preheat it to 225. Youll also want to use a probe thermometer to help you gauge when your thighs are done. They tend to cook much faster than other parts of the bird while still providing a fairly generous amount of meat (especially when compared to parts like chicken wings). Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack. In order for the chicken to be cooked to 165 degrees F, it must be smoked for at least 30 minutes in an open flame. Smoked Chicken Drumsticks so juicy and flavorful but when you add smoked flavor and amazing dry rub, its just perfection. 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