Smoking Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know what Smoked Chicken Thighs is, it’s time to try making it yourself! Here’s a simple Chicken Thighs recipe that you can prepare at home.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 cup wood chips hickory, apple, or cherry
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil evenly over the chicken skin.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken thighs, covering all sides.
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips according to your smoker’s instructions.
- Smoke the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the smoker rack, skin side up. Close the smoker and cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.