How to Smoke Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs on Pellet Smoker?

By Avi Green October 01, 2023

Smoking chicken can turn an ordinary dish into something remarkably delicious, especially when using boneless skinless chicken thighs. In this guide, you will learn how to smoke boneless skinless chicken thighs on pellet smoker in a step-by-step manner. Let's delve into the intricacies of flavor, technique, and everything in between.

how to smoke boneless skinless chicken thighs on pellet smoker

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Before we dive into the smoking process, it's crucial to select the right ingredients.

Chicken Thighs: Look for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs that are free from any marinations or additives.
Seasoning: Use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You may also like to try a pre-made rub.
Wood Pellets: Select a wood pellet flavor that pairs well with chicken. Options such as hickory, apple, or cherry are popular choices.

Prepping the Chicken!

The first step in our journey of how to smoke boneless skinless chicken thighs on pellet smoker is to prep the chicken properly.

1. **Trim Excess Fat**: Although chicken thighs are flavorful, they sometimes come with excess fat that may not render well during smoking. Trim any visible fat.

2. **Marinate the Chicken**: If time allows, marinate the chicken for at least an hour. For a simple marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of simpliest spices. This step will enhance the flavor significantly.

3. **Get the Seasoning Right**: Apply your seasoning mix liberally over each piece of chicken. A good rule of thumb is to season 30 minutes before cooking.

Setting Up the Pellet Smoker

Once your chicken is ready, its time to prepare your pellet smoker. This step is crucial for achieving the best smoking results.

Temperature Settings: Set the smoker to a low temperature, ideally between 225F to 250F. This slower cooking process helps retain moisture.
Adding Pellets: Fill the hopper with your chosen wood pellets. For chicken, fruit woods like apple or cherry provide a nice, sweet flavor.
Smoke and Flavor: Consider adding a water pan in the smoker. This prevents the chicken from drying out and enhances flavor.

Smoking the Chicken Thighs

Now comes the most exciting part smoking your chicken thighs!

1. **Placing the Chicken**: Arrange the chicken thighs on the grill grates in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. This ensures even cooking.

2. **Monitor the Temperature**: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Youre aiming for an internal temperature of 165F.

3. **The Right Time**: Smoking chicken thighs typically takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on size, so keep an eye out.

Finishing Touches

Once your chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, its time to take it off the heat.

Resting Period: Let your chicken rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Serving Suggestions: Slice the chicken and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Consider pairing with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cleaning Your Smoker

Cleaning your pellet smoker after use ensures its longevity and performance. Here are some quick tips:

Remove leftover pellets from the hopper.
Clean grates using a grill brush.
Wipe down surfaces to avoid grease accumulation.

Why Use a Pellet Smoker?

There are many benefits to using a pellet smoker for cooking chicken, including:

Temperature Control: Pellet smokers offer precise temperature control, which is essential for cooking meats like chicken.
Versatility: These smokers can grill, smoke, bake, and roast.
Influence of Wood Flavor: The smoke from the pellets imparts a distinct flavor that enhances the chicken.