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Pit Boss Chicken Thighs

If you are looking for a dish that is sure to please the whole family, then look no further than this delicious Pit Boss chicken thighs recipe. It comes together quickly and easily, and yields tender and flavorful chicken in every bite.

This hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, as well as special occasions. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can serve it with just about any side dish of your choosing. Let’s take a look at how to make this delicious dinner!

Pit Boss Chicken Thighs

How to Smoke Chicken Thighs on a Pit Boss pellet grill

Smoking chicken thighs on a Pit Boss Grill is an easy process that will result in delicious and juicy chicken.

  • To begin, preheat your Pit Boss Grill to 275°F and add in your favorite wood chips for a smoky flavor. (We’ll be smoking at a higher temperature to crisp the skin)
  • Season the chicken thighs with your favorite chicken rub.
  • Once the grill is preheated, place the chicken thighs on the grates and close the lid. Allow the thighs to smoke for approximately 1- 1.5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Turn up smoker temperature to 400°F and let the chicken crisp its skin for about 15 minutes.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Trimming

Take your chicken thighs and using a sharp knife, carefully trim off any excess fat on the exterior. Once you have removed the fat, use a boning knife to remove any sinew or connective tissue.

To ensure that the thighs will cook evenly, you may need to even out the size of the pieces by cutting off any large chunks.

Getting crispy skin

Most smoked chicken will have it’s skin come out rubbery and not crispy.  The key to crispy skin is with high heat. After the chicken is cooked to 165°F internal temperature, turn up the heat to 400°F. Let the thighs get a nice sear for about 15 minutes or until the skin is crisp.

Best rubs for chicken thighs

I’ve collected my favorite combinations of rubs that will help you take your juicy smoked chicken to the next level. For a classic flavor, try a simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder.

If you prefer something a bit spicier, opt for a Cajun blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. To achieve a unique smoky flavor, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder with a hint of cayenne pepper.

Finally, for something sweet and savory, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. 

chicken thighs on Pit Boss

Wood pellets to use

The type of wood pellets you use will determine the flavor, smokiness, and overall taste of your finished product. For smokers that are new to the process, it can be difficult to know which wood pellets to choose. The good news is that there are some tried and true wood pellet options that will deliver delicious results every time.

Hickory is a popular choice for smoking chicken thighs because it adds a smoky flavor without overpowering the dish. Mesquite has a bold, smoky flavor and is great for adding an extra kick to your chicken thighs. Apple wood pellets also provide a sweet and smoky taste that can really elevate your smoked chicken thighs.

Alder wood pellets have a slightly sweet and mild taste that makes them ideal for poultry. Finally, for a combination of sweetness and smokiness, cherry wood pellets are an excellent option. 

The right temperature setting

For perfect chicken thighs every time, you should set your Pit Boss pellet grill to 275°F. At this temperature, the chicken will cook in about 1.5 hour and another 15 minutes at 400°F to crisp the skin.

It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure the chicken is cooked properly. You can use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.

How long does it take to smoke chicken thighs

Generally, it should take around 1 to 1.5 hours to smoke chicken thighs on a smoker temperature setting at 275°F. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for the chicken thighs to be safe to eat. If the temperature is not quite there yet, simply place the chicken back in the smoker for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. 

What sides to serve

The possibilities are endless when it comes to side dishes that go along with smoked chicken thighs, so you’ll never have to worry about getting bored with your meal. A simple side salad is always a great option, as it adds freshness and crunch.

Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and brussels sprouts are also a great accompaniment to the smoky flavor of the chicken. For something heartier, try serving a grain dish like quinoa or couscous.

If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, mac and cheese or mashed potatoes are always a great choice. Whatever sides you choose to serve with your smoked chicken thighs, you can be sure that everyone around the dinner table will be happy and full.

Pit Boss smoked chicken thighs

What to do with leftovers

If you have leftovers from your last meal, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways you can use them up! From sandwiches to salads, here are some simple and tasty ideas for what to do with your leftover smoked chicken thighs.

Try making a classic sandwich with some mayonnaise and lettuce on toasted bread. Or, you could add the chicken to a salad with some fresh vegetables and a zingy vinaigrette. You could also use the chicken in a pasta dish like fettuccine alfredo or a creamy pesto sauce.

Or, for something a bit different, why not try making an easy stir fry with some vegetables and noodles? You could even dice the chicken up and use it in a quesadilla or burrito! There are so many possibilities when it comes to using up your smoked chicken thighs – get creative and enjoy!

Pit Boss Chicken Thighs

Create a delicious meal with this easy Pit Boss Chicken Thighs recipe!

Course Main Course
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Chicken Thighs (skin on)
  • 1/4 cup Your favorite chicken rub
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Pit Boss grill to 275°F and add your favorite wood pellets.

  2. Generously season each chicken thighs with chicken rub.

  3. Place chicken thighs in the smoker and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  4. Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, brush the thighs with BBQ sauce.

  5. Increase the heat in the smoker to 400°F and sear the chicken thighs for additional 15 minutes.

  6. Rest the chicken thighs for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Rating