Discover the secrets to perfecting smoked chicken burgers at home. Juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
Course
Main Course
Prep Time15minutes
Cook Time2hours
Marinating30minutes
Servings4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Burgers:
1.5poundsof boneless chicken thigh fillets
2tablespoonsof your favorite barbecue rub or seasoning
4burger buns
Toppings of your choicelettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, etc.
For the Marinade:
1/4cupof olive oil
2clovesof garlicminced
2tablespoonsof fresh lemon juice
1teaspoonof salt
1/2teaspoonof black pepper
For the Wood Chips:
2cupsof wood chipshickory, apple, cherry, or your preferred type
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Place the boneless chicken thigh fillets in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken.
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
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.
While the smoker or grill is heating, soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes.
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
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the chicken thighs directly on the smoker grates or grill grates opposite the heat source.
Cover the smoker or grill with the lid and maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F.
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
During the last 5 minutes of smoking, split the burger buns and place them on the smoker or grill to lightly toast.
Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
While the chicken is resting, assemble your burgers by placing lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, or any other preferred toppings on the toasted buns.
Slice the smoked chicken thighs and place them on top of the prepared buns.
Add your favorite barbecue sauce or condiments if desired.
Top with the other half of the bun, and your smoked chicken burgers are ready to serve!