2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. The minimum internal temperature, according to the USDA, of any cut of chicken should be 165. Chicken thighs are technically done cooking when theyve reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine thoroughly and then apply to thighs. If you'd like to try home smoking, chicken thighs are a good choice. 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. Season the chicken with bold ingredients. Combine thoroughly and then apply to thighs. Chicken is great with every other ingredient, seasoning, and sauce, so its always a safe choice. If the temperature has reached 165F or higher, the smoked chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Additionally, TheOnlineGrill.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The only way to be sure is to check the temperature using a calibrated meat thermometer. If you serve chicken thighs at 165 degrees, theyll still taste fine and be safe to consume. The thighs will come up to 175 F. How To Smoke Chicken Thighs On A Kettle Grill Close the lid immediately. Smoke for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175F. Increase the heat to 375F to ensure a crispy skin. Add your chicken thighs to the salt water, submerging all of them. They can take between 20 to 30 miniatures if they are boneless thighs, or around 15 minutes more if the bone is left in. After your chicken has been thoroughly seasoned, its time to go on the smoker. Starting with the brine, fill a tub with one gallon of water. That first bite of warm, juicy smoked chicken smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce will send you straight to heaven! 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). A general rule for all types of cooking is that you get what you pay for, and this is especially true with meat. This is the standard smoking temperature for a lot of meats, and chicken thighs are no different. Use your knife to separate the leg from the thigh. Place the tray on your counter and then place your chicken thighs one by one onto the tray, leaving a little bit of space between each one. Once the two hours are up, or your chickens internal temperature has reached 165F, remove the thighs from the smoker. All of these types of woods work beautifully with chicken. Transfer to drying racks or to dry paper towel surface. Thighs are also a better choice for the grill because theyre capable of withstanding high heat without drying out. 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. The fact that theyre quite cheap means that we have the luxury of chucking a couple should they turn out dud. Made with a salt-water, Smoked hot dog burnt ends are the perfect dish if you want to smoke something cheap and easy. Usually, smoking meat requires a low and slow approach. How Do You Make Smoked Chicken Skin Crispy? Season on all sides of chicken thigh generously with spice rub. 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 . Thats not all. 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. When you buy your chicken thighs at the store, they will more than likely have the skin still attached. In our opinion, the results will be worth the wait. Well share our favorite rub below that uses common pantry ingredients, but you can also feel free to use your own! It generally goes well with all cuts of chicken, but I think it matches the fat content of thighs perfectly. Place lid on tub. How long does it take to grill chicken thighs at 350? On the other hand, if your chicken is small, or if they are chicken thighs or wings, you will not need to flip them. Remove thighs from brine and pat down with paper towels. If youre adding a sauce to the chicken, wait until the meat is almost done cooking. There are quite a few different types of smokers out there, many of which are capable of smoking delicious chicken! Remove thighs from smoker and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the entire bottle of your chosen BBQ sauce. Turn the Pit Boss pellet grill smoker temperature up to 400 degrees F. Lightly baste the smoked chicken thighs with the BBQ sauce. How Much Charcoal Should I Use In My Grill? This will keep it moisturized for longer and keep the meat moist. Chicken thighs absorb flavor really well, so they can be infused with that delicious smokey BBQ flavor on the smoker in a relatively short amount of time. Cooking time will typically between 1.5 to 2 hours, Remove from smoker. Many saucesincluding barbecue saucehave a lot of sugar in them, which means theyll burn if you add them too early. Its not necessarily a bad impulse, but this isnt a rule that you should rely on. The exact time will depend on how thick or thin the chicken is. Chicken thighs contain a great deal of collagen, a protein thats responsible for providing strength to muscle tissue. Place seasoned thighs into smoker. Thankfully, thigh contains so much dark meat and fat, its difficult to get them wrong. Use a digital oven thermometer to track the temperature on the grill grate. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, taking care to not touch any bones, as this will throw off the temperature reading. Place the thighs back on the grill. 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. Hot smoking requires temperatures of 165 F to 185 F, which gradually cooks the meat or poultry without creating harsh flavors. When evenly pulled, move chicken to a large bowl. This dries them out and gives them a slightly tacky surface, called the "pellicle," which helps the thighs retain the flavor of the smoke. 5. They're inexpensive, flavorful and easy to work with. For centuries meats and fish have been salted and smoked to limit spoilage, so they could be safely eaten for extended periods. Either way, crank up your heat to 400F. Combine seasonings in a small bow and mix well, until completely incorporated. Smoked Chicken Wings These wings have a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. All poultry products should be safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 3. Internal temperature is the best indicator that your meat is done. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. First its important to understand what makes chicken thighs one of the best meats to smoke. We prefer to use bone-in thighs when using the smoker. If desired, at this point, use a brush to baste the chicken with BBQ sauce. Remove chicken thighs from the smoker and brush with barbecue sauce. Coat top grate with oil; place on grill. White meat chicken (found in chicken breasts and chicken thighs) should reach an internal temperature of 165 and remain at that temperature for at least 30 seconds. That being said, you can flip them if you prefer to. Does it Take a Long Time to Cook Chicken Thighs to 180? So Im gonna show you how to take simple chicken thighs and turn them into something incredible with a mix of just 5 simple spices and a couple hours on the smoker. Pat them dry with clean paper towels and let them dry overnight in your refrigerator, uncovered. 3. Chicken thighs are really underrated. Heres why. Fill up a tub with a gallon of water. Recipe Variations. This means that you can consume the meat without worrying about getting sick. At the halfway point, flip the chicken thighs over and resume smoking. Use your hands to rub in the meat rub. When youre roasting or grilling a whole chicken, check the temperature by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. When the smoker is ready, place thicken on the grate of the smoker. 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. You could also sear your chicken before it goes on the smoker or do the reverse sear and give your thighs a sear after theyre finished smoking. 3 tbsp bbq seasoning rub. Preheat smoker to 250F. Use shredder or forks to pull chicken meat. The ideal temperature for chicken thighs is between 175 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are some of our favorite complimentary side dishes for this wonderful meal: Yes! Exceeding this temperature can result in dry, chewy chicken. 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. His articles have appeared on numerous home and garden sites including GoneOutdoors, TheNest and eHow. Step Four: Smoke the chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. In this guide, well take you through the finer points of chicken thighs and their ideal internal temperature. Then I crank up the heat to crisp the skin and get the internal temperature to 165 degrees F is my preferred method. Our Top Pairing Suggestions. If youre a fan of chicken thighs, you should definitely try them smoked! So its little wonder why they prove popular. Finally, prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer's directions. What you need to try to achieve is a soft layer that you can easily bite through. Thankfully, chicken thighs tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum without necessarily compromising on quality. If youre using a smoker to cook the chicken thighs, you should see pink no matter how long you leave them on the heat. Lets get into it! Place chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, sprinkle seasoning all over and toss until all thighs are evenly coated. Chicken is usually hot-smoked at higher temperatures, with the smoke-producing fire or heating element in the same chamber as the food. Rest the thighs for 5-10 minutes, then serve hot (with extra BBQ sauce and napkins), and enjoy! Remove thighs from smoker and place on cooking surface. Many grilling recipes call for chicken thighs rather than breasts. This is a higher level than other types of meat, such as pork or beef. Even without adding the BBQ sauce at the end, these chicken thighs will be juicy and full of flavor. Insert an instant digital read thermometer probe into the center of the thickest chicken, into the thickest part, diagonally, not touching the bone. Overcooked chicken does not make for a pleasant eating experience (unless your goal is some chicken jerky, of course). How to take the temperature of bone-in meat? The bones and skin will imbue the chicken with a richer flavor, and the . If youre unsure of which type of fuel to use, we recommend using hickory, apple, or cherry wood (or any combination thereof) to help flavor your smoke. If you have a charcoal-based smoker or kettle barbecue, you can smoke-roast your chicken thighs at . To impart some added flavor onto the meat were going to make use of my favorite BBQ chicken rub recipe. How Long Can Cooked Chicken Sit Out Before It Goes Bad? Chicken thighs smoked at 275F should be smoked for 1-1/2 hours until they have an internal temperature of 165F. Just remember that when the grill is this hot, youll need to turn the thighs every 4-5 minutes to prevent burning. On average, it will take2 1/2 3 hours (larger ones can take up to 4 hours). I smoke just about everything at 225. Once your chicken is looking good and at the right temp, remove them from the smoker. Chicken thighs take a bit longer to cook than the breasts, but their flavor is superior, and the process is more forgiving. Use a metal skewer to poke holes on the fat side of the chicken thighs. Place chicken thighs skin side up on grill grates of Traeger. Chicken thighs are fatty enough to remain moist and juicy at 185 F, while breasts are better at the lower temperature. One of the biggest differences between chicken thighs and drumsticks is the fat and meat content, making it a more forgiving chicken cut. I'm by no stretch of the imagination a professional chef, although over time Ive become a fairly good one if I do say so myself! Our ideal temperature for chicken thighs if 225 degrees Fahrenheit, or 107C. Also rub under the skin as best as possible. 152F for a minimum of 1 minute, 30 seconds. Be sure to coat both sides and under the skin with rub, Smoke thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Cover and insert an instant-read thermometer into a vent in the lid; maintain a temperature between 225 and 250 degrees It may even be a mixture of both of these reasons! Smoke at 200F for 30 minutes. Pellet Grill Steaks How to Fire Up a Delicious Steak on Your Traeger, Pit Boss, Etc. Chopped Pork vs Pulled Pork: Preparation Tips & Techniques. Chicken is the most popular protein and for a good reason. At this temperature, the bacteria that cause salmonella poisoning are killed off quickly. Use a digital meat thermometer. Smoke chicken until it reaches 170 and take it off the grill. They become unpleasantly dry if theyre overcooked. We recommend grilling boneless thighs at around 400 degrees, but it's better to raise the temperature to . This can be done either on the grill or in your oven after youre done smoking chicken thighs. In a rush? Start up smoker and aim for cooking temperature of 225F (107C). Foods can be either hot-smoked or cold-smoked, depending on the result you're looking for. 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. I like to take chicken thighs to 170-175 internal temperature. Get your BBQ smoked pork loin right every time with our time guide and recipe. This content contains affiliate links. 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. How Do You Keep Chicken Moist When Smoking? Press the rub into the chicken to ensure adherence. The reason is because the skin helps to absorb and impart flavor onto your food, and also helps to retain moisture levels. Put the tub in your fridge and leave for one hour. Repeat on the other side. Finally, remember that these are only guidelines, and not concrete rules. The breasts will have a sandpaper-like texture if you overcook them, but the thigh meat will be moist and succulent even at higher temps. Close chamber door and smoke for 2 hours, or until internal meat temperature has reached 165F (71C). Man, my mouth is watering now that Ive got smoked chicken thighs on my mind! Get recipes, BBQ tips & regular discounts straight to your inbox! 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. Thankfully, brining isnt complicated to do. If you wish, brush the thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This is especially important with smoking because it can leave meat exposed to warm temperatures for hours at a time, making it prone to drying out. Set up your smoker and preheat it to 225. To crisp the skin . Insert your knife between the body of the chicken and the leg. Brining helps the meat retain as much of its moisture as possible. 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]. Pop off the wings one at a time using a knife. If you have a pre-packaged or pre-bought rub then shake it generously over the thighs. Remember, too, that smoked meat always has that reddish hue just beneath the skin. Rub both sides of the meat and get some under the skin too. Since you smoke foods with low temperatures, it can be hard to tell exactly when food is safely cooked all the way through. Chicken thigh meat is so juicy and flavorful, youll love it even more fresh off the smoker! 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. Cooks for 2 hours at 225F, or until the thickest part of the thigh has reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Instead of color, rely on the thermometer. After 10-15 minutes, remove the thighs from the smoker and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the smoker. The ingredients are all cheap, and as far as smoker recipes go this one takes the least time and delivers tasty results. Conversely, if you're using an electric or direct-heat smoker, and the intended finished internal temperature is 165F for whole chickens and 180F for bone-in parts , then smoking should be done within that range of . 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. 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. This is easier to do than you may think, and can happen for several reasons. At the end of the day, smoking chicken thighs is a practical and delicious way to get use out of your smoker. At home it's safer to hot-smoke your chicken. 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. Whether or not you prefer to remove the skin before eating, youll want to cook your thighs with the skin on. Best Wine with Lobster Our Pairing Suggestions & Guide. Place chicken thighs in water, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged. How Long To Smoke Chicken Thighs at 275? On average, it will take 2 1/2 - 3 hours (larger ones can take up to 4 hours). Use a basting brush to apply olive oil to both sides of the thigh pieces. You dont need a ton of seasoning, especially if you will be using BBQ sauces at the end. 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. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 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. On average, chicken thighs smoked at 250F should be smoked for 2 1/2-3 hours. Charcoal smokers are harder to regulate, and are often better suited to smoke-roasting. Unlike the actions we recommended earlier for crisping your chicken, cooking low and slow will ensure the moisture stays inside and doesnt evaporate quickly. Smoked chicken thighs taste incredible coated in a simple homemade seasoning, infused with your favorite smoke flavor, and slathered in BBQ sauce. Let the smoked thighs rest for 10 minutes. Cooked low and slow for hours over apple and hickory for the. Smoked Chicken Drumsticks so juicy and flavorful but when you add smoked flavor and amazing dry rub, its just perfection. If you are cooking thighs with the skin on, place skin side down. Place them on a plate or tray on a counter, next to your sauce. You will need garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coarse salt, and paprika. Mesquite (great for smoking but too strong on smokey flavor it would overpower chicken), Softwoods (completely unsafe for cooking). Although the USDA recommends chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F. Put the skin back. 145F for a minimum of 8 minutes, 24 seconds. Chicken thighs are fatty enough to remain moist and juicy at 185 F, while breasts are better at the lower temperature. It will take around 1 12 - 2 hours to smoke chicken thighs at 225 degrees F. Cooking the chicken low and slow until it is about 10-15 degrees away from being fully done is my preferred method. In fact, its encouraged. I highly recommend including a water pan or water/drip pan to the lower rack of the smoker, under the meat. One of the most important if not the most important parts of the BBQ setup is choosing the best smoking wood for chicken. Check out our guide for how long to grill chicken next. First and foremost, youll obviously need a smoker if you dont have one already. If the grill temperature is any lower, it might take a few more minutes for the meat to reach the 180-degree mark. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. We would recommend using this number as a benchmark when grilling chicken thighs. Do this before applying your rub. Next, put your instant-read thermometer in, horizontally through each side into the thickest part of the thigh meat. Required fields are marked *. From there, its time to put together your spice rub. 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. Step 4. Well be cooking for 2 hours at 225F, or until the internal temperature of the thighs hits 165F. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. (When in doubt, always go with this standard temperature.). The cool thing about this technique that I have . Put your seasoned thighs on the smoker. Skin can be difficult when it comes to smoked chicken. Learn how to defrost chicken quickly. Use only powdered ingredients to rub it, and pat the chicken dry first. Preheat your smoker to 275F. Cold-smoking takes place at temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and commercial smokehouses sometimes have refrigerated smokers to ensure food safety. Prime Rib vs Ribeye Whats the Difference? Trim excess fat off the chicken and season all sides with the spice blend. Whichever you choose, add about one cups worth and stir it in over the heat. Youll be surprised at how much better the meat tastes in comparison. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the piece of meat, diagonally, not touching the bone. IT IS INTERESTING: Is vegetable oil the same as olive oil for baking? Open the smoker lid and place the whole, seasoned and trussed chicken on the smoker grill grates. (When in doubt, always go with this standard temperature.) With this simple seasoning, you can serve them with any of your favorite sauces. This is the case even if the meat still has a pinkish tinge to it when you take it off the heat. This is why a good instant-read thermometer is every grillers best friend. On its own though, chicken can be quite boring. Also try to get some spare. Chicken Thighs at 425 F- 35-40 minutes. One of the best parts of any BBQ meal is the sides! 1. Howd it go? Here are some hardwoods that work great with chicken: There are other woods that are suitable, but these are the best. Because white meat chicken is so lean, it's best to cook it at hot temperatures. Lump charcoal is great because it burns incredibly clean and is considered the most organic type of fuel for your smoker. 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. Whats the best temperature for smoking chicken thighs? The type of wood you use in your fire can make a big difference on the outcome of your flavor. One reason for this is that the meat is more flavorful. Because chicken breasts consist of white meat, they cook fast, making them a good choice for beginners. Smoking meat is a very popular way of cooking. Indirect-heat smokers and water smokers should smoke the chicken thighs at a low temperature, between 250 and 300 degrees. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. But slow down there, my, Cold smoked salmon is the perfect way to enjoy one of our favorite plates of fish. Cut right down the middle, slightly to the side of the backbone. Smoked in, The best way to smoke pork Boston butt. Chicken Thighs at 375 F- 45-50 minutes. 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. Mild fruit woods are the best for delicate meats such as chicken, so save your oak and mesquite for steaks. Apply generously and aim to work into all areas of the chicken skin. 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. The length of time to Bake Chicken Thighs. 4. Use a second tray if you run out of space. We want to hear about it reach out to us in the comments section below. Smoke for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. Apply BBQ sauce to thighs by either dunking them, or using a bbq brush to apply it. There is a lot of debate over whether meat needs to be flipped when it is in the smoker. 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. Hot smoking requires temperatures of 165 F to 185 F, which gradually cooks the meat or poultry without creating harsh flavors. Before you get started preparing your chicken, it makes the most logistical sense to get your smoker started. When the smoker is ready, insert an instant digital read thermometer probe into the center of the thickest chicken, into the thickest part, diagonally. Depending on the size of your thighs, this will take roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete. The exact time will depend on how thick or thin the chicken is. Youll also want to use a probe thermometer to help you gauge when your thighs are done. The ideal internal temperature for smoked chicken is 165 F in the breast, and 175 F in the thigh and legs. (You can always pull the smallest chicken breasts off and let larger ones cook a little longer.). Another reason may be that the heat is too high. Add one cup of coarse salt to the water and sit the salt in until dissolved. If your butcher has free-range chicken thighs available, use those instead of the supermarket variety. Cook the chicken thighs until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F. This can take 90 minutes to 2 hours. All of the rub ingredients that you need for classic, year-round BBQ smoked chicken thighs recipe can be found in the pantry. 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. Tent the chicken with a sheet of aluminum foil loosely and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. 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. This chicken will be good with just about any wood you choose. Lastly, its important to have an understanding of the role that the skin during the smoking process. Smoke them for about 2 to 2-1/2 hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The answer to this is: it depends! Watch the chicken so that it doesnt burn. Chicken Thighs at 350 F- 50-55 minutes. Place the thighs fat side down on the baking sheet after the oven is ready. You should also keep in mind that any moisture will be detrimental to crispiness. 2. The downside? The meat is nicely tender and the flavor is mild. Once the hour is up, remove the tub from the fridge. Breaking out the BBQ smoker for a chicken thigh cook-off? Place the smoked chicken thighs back in the smoker and smoke for a few minutes before flipping the chicken thighs over. The correct length of time for smoking your chicken thighs will vary. Apply generously and aim to work into all areas of the chicken skin. Its an incredibly important tool for any pit master. Be sure to cover as much as you can of the thigh. Once the chicken has finished cooking, dunk them in the glaze and cover them entirely. You may also want to consider using marinades and rubs that have moisture-packed ingredients such as olive oil and other sauces. Do your research though and try to get the best quality you can, without breaking the bank. 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. Smoke thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Heat until the sauce is to your temperature preference (dont let it boil!). Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs is 165F. In addition, Ill share all of the knowledge you need to know to help you become a bona fide chicken thigh smoking expert. Insert a meat probe into the biggest chicken thigh and close your smoker. The thigh meat contains more fat than the breasts, so you may need to move it around to avoid flare-ups. For mild and fruity flavor, use apple, maple, or cherry. However, the meat will be a bit chewy. How long does it take to smoke chicken thighs? Be sure to rub the meat on both sides, covering the entire cut. You should try and smoke your chicken at a starting temperature of 225 degrees and then raise this to 300 degrees later on. Keep an eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed. When its heated, collagen is converted to gelatin. Because the temperature is high, smoking chicken thighs at 275F will have the shortest cooking time. Propane vs Charcoal Grills: The Ultimate Comparison, 20 Beginner Friendly Smoker Recipes: Ribs, Chicken, Vegetables And More. While your smoker preheats, its a great time to trim a little bit of fat off of your chicken thighs, if necessary. Transfer thighs to smoker and close door/lid. Light your fire and preheat your smoker to 250F. Combine seasonings in a small bow and mix well, until completely incorporated. Take the smoked chicken thighs out of the grill. Best of all, thighs are more forgiving, since theres no harm in overcooking the thighs. Once you have covered all of the thighs, put them back in the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes. When it comes to serving meat to family and friends, you can never go wrong with chicken. 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. You want to get close to the bone to measure the temperature but not on the bone! Can Chicken Thighs Be Pink in the Middle. However, this is not ideal to get a crispy texture. 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. 155F for a minimum of 45 seconds. Your email address will not be published. Add hickory, apple, or cherry wood for extra flavor, if desired, Thoroughly combine rub ingredients in a bowl, Apply a thin outer coat of olive oil to all of the chicken thighs, Apply a generous amount of rub to each chicken thigh. 160F for a minimum of 14 seconds. Apply a generous amount of rub to each chicken thigh. Did you try our recipe out? One by one, use tongs to dunk and smother your thighs in the sauce. 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. Cut all the way through. The other component to delicious smoked chicken thighs is your rub. Im a big fan of easy smoker recipes. Transfer thighs to smoker and close door/lid. Chicken Thighs at 400 F- 40-45 minutes. How long does smoked chicken thighs take to smoke? Remember, we dont want to take off the skin just any excessive overhanging sections of fat. Prepare chicken while the smoker is preheating. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Boneless and skinless thighs should be ready in 1 to 1-1/2 hours, depending on how large they are. While we're on the subject, let's talk about the overall cooking time for chicken thighs. One of the mistakes many beginners make is under doing it remember, chicken thighs can absorb a lot of flavor and the goal is to get the most out of the meat. In todays guide Im going to show you how to smoke chicken thighs in just 10 easy steps. Increase the temperature to 400F and cook for another 15-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165F. 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. Once preheated, gently place your prepared chicken thighs on your smoker skin side down. Not only are they much cheaper than wings or legs, but theyre also a much darker meat, making them packed full of flavor. Remove the chicken thighs one by one, and place them on a clean towel or paper towel to dry. Then shake over the meat. Copyright 2022 BBQ Host. Smoked chicken thighs taste incredible coated in a simple homemade seasoning, infused with your favorite smoke flavor, and slathered in BBQ sauce. Our rub recipe is simple, to the point, and delicious, but more on that later. // 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. While smoker heats up, make the rub by mixing all rub ingredients in a bowl. Many amateur chefs assume that chicken meat is only cooked through when they can no longer see any pink in the meat. As such, you may find that the best option is to use a higher heat. Measure internal temperature with a probe thermometer. 157F for a minimum of 28 seconds. Close the lid, and let them cook for another 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 175-180 degrees F and the sauce has caramelized. The thigh meat, on the other hand, contains higher amounts of protein and fat. Maintain the smoker temperature near 300 F and smoke the thighs until their internal temperature gets to 165 F. While smoker heats up, make the rub by mixing all rub ingredients in a bowl. Whole Smoked Chicken it is so much better than chicken roasted in the oven or rotisserie. 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. The reasoning behind this is that oftentimes, larger pieces of meat will require the wood chunks to be changed, allowing you to flip the meat at the same time to ensure an even cook. Close the lid and smoke for 3 hours. 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. So what should you be aiming for? Technically, chicken is done when it reaches165 internal temperature. 150F for a minimum of 2 minutes, 42 seconds. While were on the subject, lets talk about the overall cooking time for chicken thighs. REST: Let the chicken thighs rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the juices to flow back into the meat. In previous careers, he sold insurance and mutual funds, and was a longtime retailer. 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. Its really hard to go wrong with smoking chicken thighs. Now that we have two hours to play with, lets prepare something delicious to accompany our thighs: A kicking BBQ sauce. 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. Feel free to add a little more rub. A smoker temperature of 250 degrees calls for an estimated cooking time of about 2 hours for bone-in chicken thighs. Prepping the Chicken. 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. Luckily this is possible but it can take some practice. A hearty dose of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper will work, but you can also experiment with different spice rubs. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Just remember that mesquite wood is very strong and will be quite powerful, so think carefully before using it. Preheat the smoker to 225 to 250 degrees F. Place the chicken, skin side up on the smoker. The truth is, much of this is down to personal preference. Put thighs back in smoker and cook for a further 10-15 minutes. Trim off excess fat and skin. Rotate and flip thighs and continue smoking Today Im going to share with you a delicious smoked chicken thighs recipe thats simple and sure to please the crowd. If you dont own one, now is the time to pick one up! The chicken thighs need to reach an internal temperature of 165F. Grilling vs Roasting Whats The Difference? Since you need to wait until it hits that 165-degree threshold anyway, you probably wont even notice the extra time. There is no set time for how long you smoke chicken thighs. Cook until the thighs to reach an internal temperature of 170 F. Allow the thighs to rest in foil for 10 minutes. 154F for a minimum of 56 seconds. Everything you need to know, Cooking boneless chicken breasts is seen as one of the easiest bbq skills to master. The fattier thighs and legs can handle more heat, but the wing tips can burn unless you shield them from the heat or foil the tips. You simply wont achieve the crispy layer that you often get with grilled chicken because our smoking temperature is too low. In order to achieve crispy skin, youll need to expose your food to high heat for a small amount of time. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal, How to Grill a Tomahawk Steak Our Guide & Favorite Recipe. Try to get . 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. We can combat this by scraping away the fat found underneath the skin. 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. 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. T-Bone vs Porterhouse Steak Whats the Difference? Smoked Chicken Thighs Temperature: Smoke the thighs until the internal temperature reaches 155F (about 1 1/2 hours). Sprinkle a generous amount of the spice rub on each thigh piece. Place chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, sprinkle seasoning all over and toss until all thighs are evenly coated. Dark chicken meat, like chicken thighs, is naturally a flavorful and juicy cut of meat. As such, avoid using olive oil and other liquids on the chicken. Use your hands to ensure even coverage over both sides of the thighs. Personally, I use cola because i like the sweetness it adds, but Ive had it with beer too and it works great. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes, and serve. This means that you keep the temperature low and cook it slowly. If you want to take your smoked chicken thighs to the next level of flavor, you can also place them in the oven for a few minutes on high heat at the end to crisp the outer skin! There are a few different pieces of equipment youll need to smoke chicken thighs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We recommend grilling boneless thighs at around 400 degrees, but its better to raise the temperature to 450 for bone-in thighs. But, I do love a nice coating of White BBQ Sauce on top. If the sauce is quite thick then add your choice of either beer or cola to thing it out a little. Start with a quality product. Electric smokers provide the most reliable temperature control for home cooks, while professionals often have gas-powered models. With this in mind, if your chicken is a whole, large chicken, then it may need to be flipped. However, with meat such as chicken, people often desire to have the best of both worlds smoky flavors but crispy outer textures. Chicken thighs, as with any other type of food, can be overcooked. Apply a thin outer coat of olive oil to all of the chicken thighs. It has a meatier flavor than the breasts, but it still partners well with bold spice rubs and zesty marinades. This can be done by pulling back the skin and removing the fat from the underside of the skin until it turns translucent. These beautiful smoked chicken thighs are brined, rubbed, and then cooked low and slow to produce the ultimate cut of succulent, slow-smoked meat. Because the meat contains a great deal of collagen, though, they have a juicier and more succulent texture when you cook them to at least 180 degrees. This is called the low and slow technique. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. Cold smoking takes place in a chamber that's separated from the fire, so the temperature stays low and the food isn't cooked during smoking. I smoke just about everything at225. Then place chicken thighs directly onto the grill grate in the preheated smoker. That depends on the temperature of the grill or smoker. Its very important that you generously apply your rub to your chicken thighs! Cure your chicken thighs first by brining them overnight, or as directed in your recipe. Chicken needs to be smoked for 45 minutes per pound of meat. Roll into a cylindrical shape. Continue to smoke the chicken until the thighs reach a temperature of 170-175 degrees F. Remove, rest, serve, and enjoy! 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. How long does smoked chicken thighs take to smoke? As a rule, the bigger the piece of meat, the more it should be flipped. Its the only true test of doneness, assuming that the thermometer is in good working condition. Inconsistent sizes will lead to messy cooking times as youll have to be constantly checking on the progress of each individual thigh. To avoid overcooking your chicken thighs, ensure they are at the right temperature and cooked for the right amount of time. The times specified for each of the temperatures must be . Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack. For best results, arrange your thighs on the racks with ample space between them for the smoke to circulate. What temperature to smoke chicken? 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. The only way to know for sure is by utilizing a probe thermometer. Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. Brining is an often forgotten step but its super important to help retain moisture in meat. Place the chicken skin side up on the smoker over indirect heat. Try to get chicken thighs that are uniform in thickness and size that way they all cook at the same time. This BBQ smoked chicken thighs recipe is no different. 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. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F. Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with a paper towel. 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. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. 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. Bump the smoker up to 300 degrees and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 185F. In truth, chicken is safe to consume as long as the internal temperature has hit that 165-degree marker. Add 1 cup of coarse salt, and stir in until fully dissolved. Also, you should stay away from the following: Crispy skin is the perfect compliment to tasty, juicy insides of your chicken thighs. Step 3: Smoke the chicken. If you dont have a smoker, not a problem! How to Smoke a Fresh Ham Recipe, Tips, and Complete Guide, Whats the Best Wine With Steak? Place in the heat for about 4 minutes, then remove, serve, and enjoy! 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. Be sure to coat both sides and under the skin with rub. Lump charcoal is also a great option to fuel your fire, which comes in different types of wood flavors. The best way to do this is to use a baking tray. 3. Prepare the smoker first and then take the time while the smoker is preheating to prep the chicken. Place your chicken on the grill grates or on a baking pan if using the oven. Remove the chicken from the grill, and place them on a clean cutting board or platter. In turn, the resulting smoked chicken will be falling apart and will taste delicious. What wood chips are best for smoking chicken? Its also more hygienic, which cant be a bad thing! Transfer to refrigerator and leave for one hour. Remember, you can substitute your favorite rub or seasonings for ours to customize your experience! For a strong wood flavor, use woodf chips like hickory or Jack Daniels blend. Smoked Chicken Thighs - Allrecipes . Step Three: Evenly cover thighs with the chicken rub. If you do have a variety in sizes, always judge by the largest one. Modern farming techniques and refrigeration have made fresh meats inexpensive and readily available all year-round, but smoked and cured meats are still popular just because they taste good. Baste the chicken thighs with barbecue sauce, then cook for another 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set. Personally I like to use applewood for chicken thighs. Your email address will not be published. Start up smoker and aim for cooking temperature of 225F (107C). Read the temperature. When you wait until theyve hit the 180-degree mark, theyll be tender and juicy, with a silken texture. Smoke the chicken. 1 week ago allrecipes.com Show details . I use a simple mix of 5 seasonings, which is actually the base for most rubs and spice mixes. Pop the leg off. If you're cold-smoking, five to seven hours will give your chicken thighs ample smoke flavor. Each type of wood produces different flavored smoke some are ideal for chicken and some are not. This tenderizes the meat in addition to lending it moisture. Often, when chicken thighs are overcooked it is because they have been left to cook for too long. Remove thighs from smoker and leave to rest for 10 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil. Try to make sure that the thighs are fairly consistent in size. 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