Smoked Chicken Burgers

Today, I’m diving headfirst into the smokin’ hot world of smoked chicken burgers. These juicy, flavorful patties are not your run-of-the-mill burgers, and I’m here to show you how to make ’em from scratch, just the way I like ’em. So grab your apron and let’s get cookin’!

How to Make Smoked Chicken Burgers

I gotta admit, I stumbled upon this recipe by accident when I was trying to impress some friends at a backyard barbecue. I mean, who doesn’t love a good burger, right? But chicken burgers? That’s a whole new level of deliciousness. Here’s a quick rundown of how I whip up these bad boys:

1. Ingredients:
   • Boneless chicken thigh fillets
   • Your favorite barbecue rub or seasoning
   • Wood chips for smoking (more on that later!)
   • Burger buns and your choice of toppings
2. Prep the Thighs: Start by marinating those chicken thigh fillets in your chosen rub or seasoning. Let ’em soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
3. Fire Up the Smoker: Now, onto the fun part! Fire up your smoker and get it to a sizzlin’ 225°F. I’m talkin’ low and slow, my friends.
4. Add the Wood Chips: Here’s where the magic happens. Toss in some wood chips that pair well with chicken. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips are all fantastic choices.
5. Smoke ‘Em: Place those marinated chicken thighs right on the smoker grates and let ’em soak up that smoky goodness. About 2-3 hours should do the trick. Be patient; it’s worth it.
6. Build Your Burger: Once your chicken is perfectly smoked and juicy, it’s time to assemble your burger. Toast those buns, add your favorite toppings, and pile on those mouthwatering chicken thighs. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a smoked chicken burger that’ll make your taste buds dance.

What Type of Wood Chips to Use for This Recipe?

Alright, let’s talk wood chips, my friends. Choosing the right wood can make or break your smoked chicken burger. Personally, I’m all about that hickory life. It brings a robust, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken. But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try applewood or cherry wood for a sweeter twist.

Additional Tips

Now, I’ve had my fair share of trials and tribulations with these smoked chicken burgers. Here are some extra nuggets of wisdom to ensure your burger game is on point:

• Brine the Chicken: If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, brining the chicken overnight can result in even juicier burgers. Just remember to pat ’em dry before adding your rub.
• Temperature Matters: Invest in a good meat thermometer. You want your chicken to reach 165°F internally. Safety first, folks!
• Play with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings. Avocado, bacon, jalapeños, and a dollop of tangy BBQ sauce are all winners in my book.

What to Serve

Now, when it comes to sides, I’m all about keeping it simple yet delicious. A crisp coleslaw, some sweet potato fries, or even a fresh salad can complement your smoked chicken burgers perfectly. It’s all about balance, my friends.

What to Do with Leftovers

Believe it or not, sometimes I make a few extra smoked chicken thighs on purpose. Why? Because they make fantastic leftovers! Slice ’em up for sandwiches, toss ’em into a salad, or even shred ’em for some killer chicken tacos. Leftovers never tasted so good!

So there you have it, folks – my take on making smoked chicken burgers that’ll leave your taste buds doin’ a happy dance. It’s a recipe that’s equal parts flavorful and fun to cook. Now, go ahead and give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you for stoppin’ by and taking this culinary journey with me. Remember, life’s too short for boring burgers. Get smokin’, get grillin’, and enjoy every delicious bite. And as I always say, “Good food is good mood!” Until next time, happy grilling, my friends!

Print

Smoked Chicken Burgers

Discover the secrets to perfecting smoked chicken burgers at home. Juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!

Course Main Course

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Marinating 30 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken Burgers:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken thigh fillets
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue rub or seasoning
• 4 burger buns
• Toppings of your choice lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, etc.

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For the Wood Chips:

• 2 cups of wood chips hickory, apple, cherry, or your preferred type

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the boneless chicken thigh fillets in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or if possible, overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Smoker or Grill

1. Fire up your smoker or charcoal grill, aiming for a temperature of approximately 225°F. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill to create an indirect heat zone.
2. While the smoker or grill is heating, soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes.
3. Once the smoker or grill is at the desired temperature, drain the wood chips and place them directly on the charcoal (for charcoal grills) or in the wood chip tray (for smokers).

Smoking the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Place the chicken thighs directly on the smoker grates or grill grates opposite the heat source.
3. Cover the smoker or grill with the lid and maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F.
4. Smoke the chicken for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature; it's essential to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Assembling the Smoked Chicken Burgers

1. During the last 5 minutes of smoking, split the burger buns and place them on the smoker or grill to lightly toast.
2. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
3. While the chicken is resting, assemble your burgers by placing lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, or any other preferred toppings on the toasted buns.
4. Slice the smoked chicken thighs and place them on top of the prepared buns.
5. Add your favorite barbecue sauce or condiments if desired.
6. Top with the other half of the bun, and your smoked chicken burgers are ready to serve!