Camp Chef Smoked Chicken Breast

Today, I’m diving into the smokin’ world of Camp Chef smoked chicken breast. Trust me; this is a recipe that’s finger-lickin’ good! So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s get smokin’!

How to Make Smoked Chicken Breast

Alright, so you’ve got your Camp Chef smoker all fired up and ready to roll. Here’s the lowdown on how to make the juiciest smoked chicken breasts you’ve ever tasted.

1. Prep Your Chicken: Start with some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Give ’em a good rinse and pat them dry. No one likes a soggy bird!
2. Season to Perfection: Now comes the fun part – seasoning! Don’t be shy with it. I’m talking a generous rubdown with your favorite poultry seasoning. Get those flavors all cozy with your chicken.
3. Choose Your Wood: The type of wood pellets you use can make or break your smokin’ experience. For chicken, I’m all about fruitwoods like apple or cherry. They give it a sweet and subtle smokiness that’s pure perfection.
4. Fire It Up: Get your Camp Chef smoker roaring to around 225°F (or thereabouts). Pop those seasoned beauties onto the racks and let the magic happen.
5. Smoke ‘Em Low and Slow: This ain’t a race, folks. Let your chicken breasts bathe in that fragrant smoke for a couple of hours. It’s like a spa day for poultry.
6. Check the Temp: When the internal temperature hits 165°F, your chicken’s ready to strut its stuff. It should be tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky flavor.
7. Rest and Slice: Don’t get too impatient now. Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before you slice into it. This allows all those delicious juices to redistribute and make every bite heavenly.

What Type of Wood Chips/Wood Pellets To Use

Now, let’s talk wood pellets. There’s a whole forest of options out there, but when it comes to chicken, you want something that complements those delicate flavors. Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, or even peach are fantastic choices. They add a subtle sweetness that dances beautifully with the poultry. So, skip the heavy-hitters like hickory or mesquite, and let your chicken soar with the fruity ones!

The Rub Seasoning

Seasoning is where the real magic happens. When it comes to smoked chicken, I like to keep it simple yet flavorful. A classic poultry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of brown sugar is a winner. But hey, don’t be afraid to get creative! If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with herbs, spices, or even a zesty citrus marinade. Just remember, it’s all about personal taste.

What to Serve

Now that you’ve got that beautifully smoked chicken on your plate, what’s the best company for it? Here are a few ideas:

• Corn on the Cob: Grill it alongside your chicken for that perfect summer pairing.
• Creamy Coleslaw: The cool crunch of coleslaw balances the smoky heat.
• Potato Salad: A classic choice that never disappoints.
• Fresh Greens: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch.
• Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Because who can resist creamy, cheesy goodness?

Remember, the sides should complement, not overpower, that delicious smokiness of your chicken.

Ways to Use Leftovers

What do you do when you have leftover smoked chicken? Well, here are a few ideas to keep the smoky goodness going:

1. Chicken Salad: Chop it up and toss it into a crisp, refreshing salad.
2. Chicken Tacos: Stuff those tortillas with smoked chicken, salsa, and guac.
3. Chicken Quesadillas: Load it between cheese and tortillas for a quick and tasty meal.
4. Chicken Soup: Add some slices to your favorite soup for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Chicken Pizza: Top your pizza with smoked chicken for a unique twist.

The possibilities are endless, my friends! Leftover smoked chicken can take your meals from drab to fab in no time.

So there you have it, the ins and outs of creating the perfect smoked chicken breast on your trusty Camp Chef. It’s all about the seasoning, the wood choice, and a little bit of patience. But trust me, the reward is worth every minute of your time.

Thanks for joining me on this smoky adventure, and remember: Life is too short for bland chicken. Fire up that Camp Chef, get creative with your seasoning, and let the good times roll! Happy smoking, y’all!

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Camp Chef Smoked Chicken Breast

Delicious and tender Camp Chef smoked chicken breast recipe. Learn how to make the perfect smoked chicken at home. Try it today!

Course Main Course

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Smoker:

• 4 cups wood pellets apple, cherry, or your choice
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Prepping the Chicken

1. Mix paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. This is your flavorful rub.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a clean surface. Drizzle them with olive oil and rub it all over to create a light coating.
3. Sprinkle the rub evenly over each chicken breast. Be generous, and make sure to coat all sides.
4. Wrap the seasoned chicken breasts in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. This gives the flavors time to meld with the meat.

Getting the Smoker Ready

1. Start by selecting your wood pellets. For chicken, fruitwoods like apple or cherry work best. Fill your smoker's pellet hopper with your chosen wood pellets.
2. Preheat your Camp Chef smoker to 225°F. Make sure to follow your smoker's manufacturer instructions for lighting and maintaining the fire.
3. While the smoker is heating up, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.

Smoking the Chicken

1. Once the smoker is at the right temperature and your chicken is at room temp, it's time to smoke!
2. Place the chicken breasts directly on the smoker grates, leaving some space between them for the smoke to circulate.
3. Close the smoker lid and let it do its magic. Maintain a temperature of around 225°F throughout the smoking process.
4. Smoke the chicken for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness.
5. While smoking, periodically check the pellet levels in your smoker and add more if necessary.

Rest and Serve

1. Once your smoked chicken reaches 165°F, carefully remove it from the smoker. The chicken should be golden brown with a delicious smoky aroma.
2. Place the smoked chicken on a clean cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
3. After resting, slice the smoked chicken breast into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
4. Serve your homemade smoked chicken breast with your favorite sides, such as corn on the cob, coleslaw, or potato salad.