Irresistible Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about the aroma of smoked boneless chicken thighs wafting through the air, isn’t there? Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, tender meat infused with a smoky flavor that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. crispy potato quesadillas Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

I remember the first time I smoked chicken thighs; it was an epic fail turned glorious success. My friends arrived expecting something mediocre, but they left raving about my culinary wizardry. It’s a recipe that has become a staple at family gatherings, bringing everyone together for laughter and good food. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

My family still talks about that day when I pulled these beauties off the grill and their faces lit up with joy.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I usually use about 2-3 pounds for a hearty meal that serves four people comfortably. Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and enhances flavor.

• Smoked Paprika: Choose this spice for its deep smoky flavor that elevates the chicken to another level.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have ingredient for that aromatic punch; fresh garlic works too if you prefer.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering other flavors.

• Salt: Use kosher salt for better texture and flavor absorption throughout the chicken.

• Honey: A touch of honey balances out the smoke with some sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity to cut through the richness of the thighs.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken Thighs: Start by trimming any excess fat from the boneless chicken thighs. This ensures even cooking and prevents greasy bites. Pat them dry with paper towels for better seasoning adherence.

Create Your Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, honey, and lemon juice until well combined. lemon caper sauce for pasta The mixture should be aromatic and slightly thick, almost like a barbecue sauce.

Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to your marinade bowl, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight if possible.

Prep Your Smoker or Grill: Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If using charcoal, set up indirect heat by pushing coals to one side. For electric smokers, simply plug it in and wait.

Add Chicken to Smoker/Grill: Place your marinated chicken thighs directly on the grill grates or smoker racks. Close the lid and let those flavors mingle while they smoke away.

Monitor Temperature : Smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on thickness. Keep an eye on them; you want perfectly juicy meat without drying out.

Now that you’ve got all these steps down pat, it’s time to enjoy those fabulous smoked boneless chicken thighs! Each bite will transport you to BBQ bliss as friends gather around asking for your secret recipe (which you can totally keep under wraps). For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom chicken alfredo recipe.

With these instructions in hand and a little bit of practice under your belt, you’ll be serving up smoky perfection in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken thighs for at least two hours. Preheat your smoker to 250°F and smoke the thighs for about 1.5 to 2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with marinades! Try adding maple syrup for sweetness or kick it up with spicy mustard. spicy jalapeno macaroni salad You can also use different wood chips like hickory or applewood for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover smoked boneless chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, keeping them moist.

When I first tried smoking boneless chicken thighs, my friends raved about how tender and flavorful they were! It was a game-changer, and now my dinner parties always feature this dish.

FAQ

How long do you smoke boneless chicken thighs?

Smoke them for about 1.5 to 2 hours at 250°F until cooked through.

What kind of wood chips are best for smoking?

Hickory, applewood, or cherry wood chips add fantastic flavor to your chicken.

Can I use bone-in thighs instead?

Yes, but remember to adjust cooking times as bone-in pieces take longer to cook through.

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Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs

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• Author: Valentina Rossi
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the irresistible smoky aroma and tender juiciness of smoked boneless chicken thighs. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. With a simple marinade and straightforward smoking process, you’ll impress family and friends with this delicious recipe that’s both easy to make and unforgettable.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, honey, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
5. Place marinated chicken thighs on the grill grates or smoker racks. Close the lid and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 409mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 130mg