Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly smoked chicken breast that's so tender and flavorful, it'll make your backyard barbecue the talk of the neighborhood. Our Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts recipe is not just another grilling method – it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a smoky, mouth-watering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your secret!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken breasts. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika and garlic powder evenly over the chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Using your hands or tongs, thoroughly mix the chicken with the spices and oil, ensuring that each breast is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Once the chicken is seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking method will help to infuse the chicken with a smoky flavor.
- After the grill has reached the desired temperature, place the marinated chicken breasts directly on the grill grates. Close the lid to maintain the heat.
- Smoke the chicken breasts for approximately 1 hour, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- After resting, slice or serve the smoked chicken breasts whole. Enjoy your Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking while guaranteeing food safety.
- Marinating Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to let the spices penetrate the meat. For even more flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Wood Chip Selection: Experiment with different wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry to add unique smoky flavors to your chicken.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your smoked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Even Coating: Use your hands or tongs to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with oil and spices for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Low and Slow: Maintain a consistent low temperature of 225°F (107°C) for that perfect smoky flavor and tender texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 352kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
