The exact time will depend on how thick or thin the chicken is. The times specified for each of the temperatures must be . Our rub recipe is simple, to the point, and delicious, but more on that later. Additionally, TheOnlineGrill.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Use your knife to separate the leg from the thigh. On its own though, chicken can be quite boring. In a rush? I highly recommend including a water pan or water/drip pan to the lower rack of the smoker, under the meat. Does it Take a Long Time to Cook Chicken Thighs to 180? 152F for a minimum of 1 minute, 30 seconds. What wood chips are best for smoking chicken? Just remember that when the grill is this hot, youll need to turn the thighs every 4-5 minutes to prevent burning. Smoke at 200F for 30 minutes. Place chicken thighs in water, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged. We would recommend using this number as a benchmark when grilling chicken thighs. Chicken is great with every other ingredient, seasoning, and sauce, so its always a safe choice. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. In fact, its encouraged. Combine seasonings in a small bow and mix well, until completely incorporated. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. Best Wine with Lobster Our Pairing Suggestions & Guide. Prepare the smoker first and then take the time while the smoker is preheating to prep the chicken. If you want to prevent the rub getting stuck to your fingers then you can use rubber gloves to help make the process a bit cleaner. Cook until the thighs to reach an internal temperature of 170 F. Allow the thighs to rest in foil for 10 minutes. You should try and smoke your chicken at a starting temperature of 225 degrees and then raise this to 300 degrees later on. The reason is because the skin helps to absorb and impart flavor onto your food, and also helps to retain moisture levels. They become unpleasantly dry if theyre overcooked. This BBQ smoked chicken thighs recipe is no different. How Do You Make Smoked Chicken Skin Crispy? How to Smoke a Fresh Ham Recipe, Tips, and Complete Guide, Whats the Best Wine With Steak? Use a digital meat thermometer. Chicken Thighs at 400 F- 40-45 minutes. Smoking meat is a very popular way of cooking. Whole Smoked Chicken it is so much better than chicken roasted in the oven or rotisserie. This means that you can consume the meat without worrying about getting sick. Put the skin back. Hot smoking requires temperatures of 165 F to 185 F, which gradually cooks the meat or poultry without creating harsh flavors. While were on the subject, lets talk about the overall cooking time for chicken thighs. Remember, we dont want to take off the skin just any excessive overhanging sections of fat. Its really hard to go wrong with smoking chicken thighs. Increase the temperature to 400F and cook for another 15-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165F. I smoke just about everything at 225. This temperature will ensure that any bacteria that were present in the raw chicken will be completely killed and no longer able to cause illness. Once your chicken is looking good and at the right temp, remove them from the smoker. They can handle longer and hotter than other types of chicken such as the breast, but that doesnt mean you should just leave them at a high temperature for a long time. Finally, remember that these are only guidelines, and not concrete rules. But, I do love a nice coating of White BBQ Sauce on top. The thigh meat, on the other hand, contains higher amounts of protein and fat. Smoked in, The best way to smoke pork Boston butt. Personally, I use cola because i like the sweetness it adds, but Ive had it with beer too and it works great. Its not necessarily a bad impulse, but this isnt a rule that you should rely on. To avoid overcooking your chicken thighs, ensure they are at the right temperature and cooked for the right amount of time. How long does smoked chicken thighs take to smoke? There are a few different pieces of equipment youll need to smoke chicken thighs. The thighs will come up to 175 F. How To Smoke Chicken Thighs On A Kettle Grill Lastly, its important to have an understanding of the role that the skin during the smoking process. Maintain the smoker temperature near 300 F and smoke the thighs until their internal temperature gets to 165 F. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. The truth is, much of this is down to personal preference. Chicken is usually hot-smoked at higher temperatures, with the smoke-producing fire or heating element in the same chamber as the food. Use a metal skewer to poke holes on the fat side of the chicken thighs. The ingredients are all cheap, and as far as smoker recipes go this one takes the least time and delivers tasty results. Place chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, sprinkle seasoning all over and toss until all thighs are evenly coated. If you have made your own (and if not, be sure to check out our ideas for the best BBQ rubs), then combine all the ingredients for it in a medium-size bowl. For best results, arrange your thighs on the racks with ample space between them for the smoke to circulate. Use a digital oven thermometer to track the temperature on the grill grate. There are quite a few different types of smokers out there, many of which are capable of smoking delicious chicken! They're inexpensive, flavorful and easy to work with. It may even be a mixture of both of these reasons! Cut right down the middle, slightly to the side of the backbone. Cover and insert an instant-read thermometer into a vent in the lid; maintain a temperature between 225 and 250 degrees Pop off the wings one at a time using a knife. Transfer thighs to smoker and close door/lid. Cold-smoking takes place at temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and commercial smokehouses sometimes have refrigerated smokers to ensure food safety. 1. There is a lot of debate over whether meat needs to be flipped when it is in the smoker. You simply wont achieve the crispy layer that you often get with grilled chicken because our smoking temperature is too low. In turn, the resulting smoked chicken will be falling apart and will taste delicious. Take the smoked chicken thighs out of the grill. 3. Cooked low and slow for hours over apple and hickory for the. Get your BBQ smoked pork loin right every time with our time guide and recipe. Electric smokers provide the most reliable temperature control for home cooks, while professionals often have gas-powered models. Inconsistent sizes will lead to messy cooking times as youll have to be constantly checking on the progress of each individual thigh. T-Bone vs Porterhouse Steak Whats the Difference? This can be done by pulling back the skin and removing the fat from the underside of the skin until it turns translucent. I use a simple mix of 5 seasonings, which is actually the base for most rubs and spice mixes. I smoke just about everything at225. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. If you'd like to try home smoking, chicken thighs are a good choice. Preheat your smoker to 275F. Use a second tray if you run out of space. This is because we want our thighs to all take about the same amount of time, and we want to reliably estimate when theyll be done by. When the temperature in the smoking chamber is in the 275-300 F range, place the seasoned chicken thighs on the rack or directly onto the grate, near the heat & smoke source. But slow down there, my, Cold smoked salmon is the perfect way to enjoy one of our favorite plates of fish. Recipe Variations. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Apply a thin outer coat of olive oil to all of the chicken thighs. Put thighs back in smoker and cook for a further 10-15 minutes. Smoke for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. 157F for a minimum of 28 seconds. What you need to try to achieve is a soft layer that you can easily bite through. Remove the chicken thighs one by one, and place them on a clean towel or paper towel to dry. With this simple seasoning, you can serve them with any of your favorite sauces. Here are some hardwoods that work great with chicken: There are other woods that are suitable, but these are the best. Heat until the sauce is to your temperature preference (dont let it boil!). Technically, chicken is done when it reaches165 internal temperature. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. When evenly pulled, move chicken to a large bowl. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoked chicken thighs taste incredible coated in a simple homemade seasoning, infused with your favorite smoke flavor, and slathered in BBQ sauce. Transfer to drying racks or to dry paper towel surface. Apply generously and aim to work into all areas of the chicken skin. Breaking out the BBQ smoker for a chicken thigh cook-off? Smoked Chicken Drumsticks so juicy and flavorful but when you add smoked flavor and amazing dry rub, its just perfection. How long does it take to grill chicken thighs at 350? Chicken Thighs at 350 F- 50-55 minutes. Chicken thighs contain a great deal of collagen, a protein thats responsible for providing strength to muscle tissue. Chicken thighs are fatty enough to remain moist and juicy at 185 F, while breasts are better at the lower temperature. Check out our guide for how long to grill chicken next. Pour the rub over the chicken as well then zip the top and roll/toss the chicken around until all of the chicken is well coated with the rub/oil mixture. Exceeding this temperature can result in dry, chewy chicken. 145F for a minimum of 8 minutes, 24 seconds. Smokers can take a while to heat up, particularly if theyre charcoal, so while your meat is brining its a good idea to take the opportunity to preheat your smoker. Be sure to coat both sides and under the skin with rub. IT IS INTERESTING: Is vegetable oil the same as olive oil for baking? If you have a charcoal-based smoker or kettle barbecue, you can smoke-roast your chicken thighs at . Keep an eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed. Typically, smoking chicken thighs takes about 1.5 to 2 hours when smoking at 250F, but you should be cooking until they reach a safe internal temperature without regard to how long theyve been on the smoker. Baste the chicken thighs with barbecue sauce, then cook for another 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set. 2. Place the chicken skin side up on the smoker over indirect heat. Preheat the smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F. Place the chicken, skin side up on the smoker. This content contains affiliate links. Well share our favorite rub below that uses common pantry ingredients, but you can also feel free to use your own! Each type of wood produces different flavored smoke some are ideal for chicken and some are not. For mild and fruity flavor, use apple, maple, or cherry. You should also keep in mind that any moisture will be detrimental to crispiness. Step Three: Evenly cover thighs with the chicken rub. Not only are they much cheaper than wings or legs, but theyre also a much darker meat, making them packed full of flavor. How long does it take to smoke chicken thighs? If you're hot-smoking, three to four hours at 185 F should be enough to cook your thighs to a food-safe internal temperature of 165 F. If you're smoke-roasting your thighs on a charcoal kettle at 200 F to 225 F, it will take your thighs approximately two hours to reach that temperature. Brining is an often forgotten step but its super important to help retain moisture in meat. Many amateur chefs assume that chicken meat is only cooked through when they can no longer see any pink in the meat. To impart some added flavor onto the meat were going to make use of my favorite BBQ chicken rub recipe. Im a big fan of easy smoker recipes. Chicken needs to be smoked for 45 minutes per pound of meat. Remove thighs from brine and pat down with paper towels. This is why a good instant-read thermometer is every grillers best friend. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the smoker. Copyright 2022 BBQ Host. Lump charcoal is also a great option to fuel your fire, which comes in different types of wood flavors. Then I crank up the heat to crisp the skin and get the internal temperature to 165 degrees F is my preferred method. Overcooked chicken does not make for a pleasant eating experience (unless your goal is some chicken jerky, of course). This can be done either on the grill or in your oven after youre done smoking chicken thighs. Typically chicken thighs cook on the smoker for an hour and a half to two hours, but really youre cooking them until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165F. What temperature to smoke chicken? 160F for a minimum of 14 seconds. Put your seasoned thighs on the smoker. Remember, you can substitute your favorite rub or seasonings for ours to customize your experience! The downside? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Season the chicken with bold ingredients. If you wish, brush the thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce. 155F for a minimum of 45 seconds. Trim excess fat off the chicken and season all sides with the spice blend. This tenderizes the meat in addition to lending it moisture. 5. Heres how to create a simple brine to help your meat retain its moisture: If you need a brining method, then check out my chicken wing brine recipe. When youre roasting or grilling a whole chicken, check the temperature by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. In order for the chicken to be cooked to 165 degrees F, it must be smoked for at least 30 minutes in an open flame. differences between chicken thighs and drumsticks, super important to help retain moisture in meat, Smoked Pork Loin [Temperatures, Times & Pro Tips], How to Grill Chicken on a Gas Grill (7 Easy Steps), How to Cold Smoke Salmon [Brine, Cure & Recipe], Smoked Pork Butt [BBQ Boston Butt Recipe], Smoked Korean Spare Ribs [Gochujang BBQ Pork Ribs], 17 Best Christmas BBQ Ideas & Recipes (Grilling, Smoking & More), Smoked Chicken Drumsticks [Easy BBQ Legs]. Chicken thighs are technically done cooking when theyve reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Youll be surprised at how much better the meat tastes in comparison. Instead of color, rely on the thermometer. Their fat content makes them delicious smoked, and they take next to no time at all to cook when compared to other types of meat. Combine thoroughly and then apply to thighs. A rub is simply a mix of seasoning and flavoring ingredients that are combined and applied to the outside of your meat before it goes on the cooker. This means that you keep the temperature low and cook it slowly. Start with a quality product. Dark chicken meat, like chicken thighs, is naturally a flavorful and juicy cut of meat. Smoke for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175F. Smoked Chicken Thighs - Allrecipes . We can combat this by scraping away the fat found underneath the skin. Starting with the brine, fill a tub with one gallon of water. Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack. The correct length of time for smoking your chicken thighs will vary. In general, boneless thighs should cook for 10 to 12 minutes, while bone-in thighs might take 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the right temperature. One of the best parts of any BBQ meal is the sides! On average, it will take2 1/2 3 hours (larger ones can take up to 4 hours). All of the rub ingredients that you need for classic, year-round BBQ smoked chicken thighs recipe can be found in the pantry. Get recipes, BBQ tips & regular discounts straight to your inbox! Close the lid and smoke for 3 hours. Do this before applying your rub. If you're cold-smoking, five to seven hours will give your chicken thighs ample smoke flavor. However, with meat such as chicken, people often desire to have the best of both worlds smoky flavors but crispy outer textures. Our Top Pairing Suggestions. Remember, too, that smoked meat always has that reddish hue just beneath the skin. As a rule, the bigger the piece of meat, the more it should be flipped. 3. While your smoker preheats, its a great time to trim a little bit of fat off of your chicken thighs, if necessary. Place chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, sprinkle seasoning all over and toss until all thighs are evenly coated. After your chicken has been thoroughly seasoned, its time to go on the smoker. In our opinion, the results will be worth the wait. If you want to crisp the outer skin, place thighs on a baking sheet and place in 400F oven for 3 to 4 minutes, Let thighs rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, BBQ Chicken Thighs, How to Smoke Chicken Thighs, Smoked Chicken Thighs, Smoker Chicken Recipes, Smoker Recipes. Your email address will not be published. You should still keep a close eye on the thighs to prevent the outsides from burning, but cooking them past 180 degrees wont do them any harm. One by one, use tongs to dunk and smother your thighs in the sauce. As such, you may find that the best option is to use a higher heat. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Difference Between Fryer & Roaster Chicken, Garde Manger: The Art and Craft of the Cold Kitchen; Culinary Institute of America, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen; Harold McGee. Try cutting boneless skinless chicken thighs into strips and seasoning them with curry powder, then grilling and serving them with peanut sauce and quick-pickled cucumbers. 150F for a minimum of 2 minutes, 42 seconds. 154F for a minimum of 56 seconds. The meat is nicely tender and the flavor is mild. The length of time to Bake Chicken Thighs. It generally goes well with all cuts of chicken, but I think it matches the fat content of thighs perfectly. Cooks for 2 hours at 225F, or until the thickest part of the thigh has reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Personally I like to use applewood for chicken thighs. If you have a charcoal-based smoker or kettle barbecue, you can smoke-roast your chicken thighs at temperatures of 200 F to 225 F. That's usually the lowest temperature they'll reliably maintain. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 165F. Thighs are also a better choice for the grill because theyre capable of withstanding high heat without drying out. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F. Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with a paper towel. Continue to smoke the chicken until the thighs reach a temperature of 170-175 degrees F. Remove, rest, serve, and enjoy! We want to hear about it reach out to us in the comments section below. One reason for this is that the meat is more flavorful. Place all of the chicken pieces down in a large ziploc bag and pour about 1 cup of olive oil over the top of the chicken. Use only powdered ingredients to rub it, and pat the chicken dry first. This is easier to do than you may think, and can happen for several reasons. How long does smoked chicken thighs take to smoke? After the first hour of smoking, bump the temp up to 300F and let the chicken smoke for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the chicken hits 185F on a meat thermometer. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about smoking chicken thighs:How Long Do You Smoke Chicken Thighs?There is no set time for how long you smoke chicken thighs. I like to take chicken thighs to 170-175 internal temperature. Apply a generous amount of rub to each chicken thigh. Apply BBQ sauce to thighs by either dunking them, or using a bbq brush to apply it. You want to get close to the bone to measure the temperature but not on the bone! Chicken thighs are really underrated. A smoker temperature of 250 degrees calls for an estimated cooking time of about 2 hours for bone-in chicken thighs. Chicken is the most popular protein and for a good reason. Chicken thigh meat is so juicy and flavorful, youll love it even more fresh off the smoker! If youre grilling the thighs at 450 degrees, cooking an 8-ounce chicken breast to 180 will only take a few minutes longer than cooking it to 165. His articles have appeared on numerous home and garden sites including GoneOutdoors, TheNest and eHow. Tent the chicken with a sheet of aluminum foil loosely and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. As such, avoid using olive oil and other liquids on the chicken. These beautiful smoked chicken thighs are brined, rubbed, and then cooked low and slow to produce the ultimate cut of succulent, slow-smoked meat. Pellet Grill Steaks How to Fire Up a Delicious Steak on Your Traeger, Pit Boss, Etc. In previous careers, he sold insurance and mutual funds, and was a longtime retailer. Thankfully, brining isnt complicated to do. Cooking time will typically between 1.5 to 2 hours, Remove from smoker. Smoked Chicken Breast this smoked chicken breast is so easy to make and full of flavor from the homemade seasoning mix and smoke infused into it. If you serve chicken thighs at 165 degrees, theyll still taste fine and be safe to consume. If the sauce is quite thick then add your choice of either beer or cola to thing it out a little. Transfer to refrigerator and leave for one hour. With this in mind, if your chicken is a whole, large chicken, then it may need to be flipped. Either way, crank up your heat to 400F. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. This is a higher level than other types of meat, such as pork or beef. Add one cup of coarse salt to the water and sit the salt in until dissolved. Do your research though and try to get the best quality you can, without breaking the bank. Add your chicken thighs to the salt water, submerging all of them. Once the hour is up, remove the tub from the fridge. It has a meatier flavor than the breasts, but it still partners well with bold spice rubs and zesty marinades. Because the temperature is high, smoking chicken thighs at 275F will have the shortest cooking time. Fill up a tub with a gallon of water. If youre using a smoker to cook the chicken thighs, you should see pink no matter how long you leave them on the heat. Press the rub into the chicken to ensure adherence. Personally, my favorites are kamado smokers or offset smokers, but you can also make delicious food with a pellet smoker, electric smoker, or gas smoker. Close the lid immediately. Skin can be difficult when it comes to smoked chicken. Well be cooking for 2 hours at 225F, or until the internal temperature of the thighs hits 165F. If you have a pre-packaged or pre-bought rub then shake it generously over the thighs. When we put thighs on the smoker, the goal is to bring out as much of the flavor as possible while retaining as much juice as possible. Grilling vs Roasting Whats The Difference? However, the meat will be a bit chewy. This is the standard smoking temperature for a lot of meats, and chicken thighs are no different. Step 3: Smoke the chicken. Its an incredibly important tool for any pit master. Place the smoked chicken thighs back in the smoker and smoke for a few minutes before flipping the chicken thighs over. Prepping the Chicken. Season on all sides of chicken thigh generously with spice rub. If you do have a variety in sizes, always judge by the largest one. We recommend grilling boneless thighs at around 400 degrees, but it's better to raise the temperature to . From there, its time to put together your spice rub. Rub both sides of the meat and get some under the skin too. After 10-15 minutes, remove the thighs from the smoker and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Even without adding the BBQ sauce at the end, these chicken thighs will be juicy and full of flavor. Whichever you choose, add about one cups worth and stir it in over the heat. Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the piece of meat, diagonally, not touching the bone. Here are some of our favorite complimentary side dishes for this wonderful meal: Yes! (You can always pull the smallest chicken breasts off and let larger ones cook a little longer.). Combine seasonings in a small bow and mix well, until completely incorporated. Place lid on tub. In order to achieve crispy skin, youll need to expose your food to high heat for a small amount of time. REST: Let the chicken thighs rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the juices to flow back into the meat. Smoked chicken thighs taste incredible coated in a simple homemade seasoning, infused with your favorite smoke flavor, and slathered in BBQ sauce. Can Chicken Thighs Be Pink in the Middle. When it comes to serving meat to family and friends, you can never go wrong with chicken. Then shake over the meat. That first bite of warm, juicy smoked chicken smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce will send you straight to heaven! (When in doubt, always go with this standard temperature.) Since you smoke foods with low temperatures, it can be hard to tell exactly when food is safely cooked all the way through. Remove thighs from smoker and leave to rest for 10 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil. Chicken Thighs at 425 F- 35-40 minutes. Set up your smoker and preheat it to 225. The thigh meat contains more fat than the breasts, so you may need to move it around to avoid flare-ups. Cure your chicken thighs first by brining them overnight, or as directed in your recipe. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. After 1 hour, flip the chicken over to the other side and continue cooking for another 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until their internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (this will take a little more time depending on how . Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. When you are smoking chicken and you want to keep it moist, the best thing to do is to cook it at a low temperature and ensure you take your time. Also try to get some spare. Man, my mouth is watering now that Ive got smoked chicken thighs on my mind! Youll also want to use a probe thermometer to help you gauge when your thighs are done. So its little wonder why they prove popular. One of the biggest differences between chicken thighs and drumsticks is the fat and meat content, making it a more forgiving chicken cut. Cook at a smoker temperature of 275 F until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 172 F. The cooking time can be from one hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the size of the thighs. In todays guide Im going to show you how to smoke chicken thighs in just 10 easy steps. Prepare chicken while the smoker is preheating. Thankfully, chicken thighs tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum without necessarily compromising on quality. Start up smoker and aim for cooking temperature of 225F (107C). The total cooking time will depend on the size of the thighs, the actual temperature of the grill, and even outside factors like the weather. To crisp the skin . TheOnlineGrill.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Once the chicken has finished cooking, dunk them in the glaze and cover them entirely. At the halfway point, flip the chicken thighs over and resume smoking. Depending on the size of your thighs, this will take roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete. At home it's safer to hot-smoke your chicken. Next, put your instant-read thermometer in, horizontally through each side into the thickest part of the thigh meat. How Much Charcoal Should I Use In My Grill? That being said, you can flip them if you prefer to. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. For centuries meats and fish have been salted and smoked to limit spoilage, so they could be safely eaten for extended periods. At this temperature, the bacteria that cause salmonella poisoning are killed off quickly. The best way to do this is to use a baking tray. 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. How Long to Cook a Chicken Hindquarter Can You Cook Bone-in Chicken in a Metal Fred Decker is a trained chef and prolific freelance writer. Transfer thighs to smoker and close door/lid. Chicken thighs smoked at 275F should be smoked for 1-1/2 hours until they have an internal temperature of 165F. Measure internal temperature with a probe thermometer. A hearty dose of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper will work, but you can also experiment with different spice rubs. However, if youre cooking the thighs alone, we would recommend waiting until the internal temperature registers at least 180 before taking them off the heat. Everything you need to know, Cooking boneless chicken breasts is seen as one of the easiest bbq skills to master. First its important to understand what makes chicken thighs one of the best meats to smoke. Use your hands to ensure even coverage over both sides of the thighs. Compared to chicken breast, chicken thighs are naturally much higher in fat content, and as such remain moist and are much more flavorful than chicken breast. While smoker heats up, make the rub by mixing all rub ingredients in a bowl. The answer to this is: it depends! That depends on the temperature of the grill or smoker. Place in the heat for about 4 minutes, then remove, serve, and enjoy! When the smoker is ready, insert an instant digital read thermometer probe into the center of the thickest chicken, into the thickest part, diagonally. If youre adding a sauce to the chicken, wait until the meat is almost done cooking. When its heated, collagen is converted to gelatin. Required fields are marked *. Insert an instant digital read thermometer probe into the center of the thickest chicken, into the thickest part, diagonally, not touching the bone. Light your fire and preheat your smoker to 250F. This chicken will be good with just about any wood you choose. The bones and skin will imbue the chicken with a richer flavor, and the . Remove the chicken from the grill, and place them on a clean cutting board or platter. Add 1 cup of coarse salt, and stir in until fully dissolved. Be sure to coat both sides and under the skin with rub, Smoke thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Charcoal smokers are harder to regulate, and are often better suited to smoke-roasting. They tend to cook much faster than other parts of the bird while still providing a fairly generous amount of meat (especially when compared to parts like chicken wings). Even though I love firing up the smoker for a long brisket or rib smoke, sometimes iss nice to fire it up for a food thats a little easier and doesnt take quite as long. Close chamber door and smoke for 2 hours, or until internal meat temperature has reached 165F (71C). Prime Rib vs Ribeye Whats the Difference? Chicken thighs take a bit longer to cook than the breasts, but their flavor is superior, and the process is more forgiving. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal, How to Grill a Tomahawk Steak Our Guide & Favorite Recipe. Whats the best temperature for smoking chicken thighs? Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a19778beb7e28b9b7a198374b387e09a" );document.getElementById("a34728bea9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While we're on the subject, let's talk about the overall cooking time for chicken thighs. Preheat smoker to 250F. Whether or not you prefer to remove the skin before eating, youll want to cook your thighs with the skin on. Smoke the chicken. Smoke the chicken at 225 degrees F. for about 1 -2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If desired, brush the chicken with a mop mixture of apple cider vinegar, apple cider and dry rub to help tenderize the chicken and keep it moist. The minimum internal temperature, according to the USDA, of any cut of chicken should be 165. Place the thighs back on the grill. The fact that theyre quite cheap means that we have the luxury of chucking a couple should they turn out dud. At the end of the day, smoking chicken thighs is a practical and delicious way to get use out of your smoker. Brining helps the meat retain as much of its moisture as possible. (When in doubt, always go with this standard temperature.). Combine thoroughly and then apply to thighs. Coat top grate with oil; place on grill. How Long To Smoke Chicken Thighs at 275? If desired, at this point, use a brush to baste the chicken with BBQ sauce. In general, boneless thighs should cook for 10 to 12 minutes, while bone-in thighs might take 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the right temperature. If youre a fan of chicken thighs, you should definitely try them smoked! Place seasoned thighs into smoker. However, this is not ideal to get a crispy texture. The dark meat cooks at a slower pace than the breasts, so you should rely on this number to determine whether the entire bird is done. This simple rub recipe boasts a beautiful blend of paprika and chili powder to give your chicken thighs a kick when fresh out the smoker. Feel free to add a little more rub. Cook the chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F. This can take 90 minutes to 2 hours. Many grilling recipes call for chicken thighs rather than breasts. Recipe Instructions Preheat a smoker to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C).Combine salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano Smoke thighs using cherry wood for 1 hour. Place chicken thighs on the smoker racks and smoke for 1 to 2 hours, or until cooked through. Boneless and skinless thighs should be ready in 1 to 1-1/2 hours, depending on how large they are. Bump the smoker up to 300 degrees and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 185F. Its very important that you generously apply your rub to your chicken thighs! Read the temperature. Lets get into it! Typically, smoking chicken thighs takes about 1.5 to 2 hours when smoking at 250F, but you should be cooking until they reach a safe internal temperature without regard to how long theyve been on the smoker. Trim off excess fat and skin. If the grill temperature is any lower, it might take a few more minutes for the meat to reach the 180-degree mark. 3 tbsp bbq seasoning rub. Foods can be either hot-smoked or cold-smoked, depending on the result you're looking for. The only way to be sure is to check the temperature using a calibrated meat thermometer. Then place chicken thighs directly onto the grill grate in the preheated smoker. Chopped Pork vs Pulled Pork: Preparation Tips & Techniques. Remove thighs from smoker and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. So what should you be aiming for? Use a basting brush to apply olive oil to both sides of the thigh pieces. We prefer to use bone-in thighs when using the smoker. 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