Delicious Smokehouse Chicken for a Perfect BBQ Party
Welcome to the world of smoky goodness with my Smokehouse Chicken Recipe! If you are like me and love the smell and taste of a campfire or barbecue, then this recipe is for you. I developed this recipe because I wanted to make something that was easy, yet packed with flavor.
One of my favorite things about smoking chicken is how it creates layers of flavor. The smoke penetrates deep into the meat, infusing it with a smoky flavor that can’t be replicated any other way. In this recipe, the chicken is rubbed with a delicious blend of spices and smoked over low heat until it’s juicy and tender.
But don’t worry if you don’t have a smoker, you can still achieve great results using your oven or grill. I’ll show you how. So fire up your grills, preheat your oven, and let’s begin our smokehouse adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This smokehouse chicken recipe is sure to knock your taste buds right off your tongue. It’s the perfect combination of smokey and sweet. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with minimal ingredients and steps, but a big punch of flavor.
The boneless skinless chicken breasts from Springer Mountain Farms are already of the highest quality so you don’t have to worry about anything but the seasoning. We mix paprika, salt and smokehouse pepper to create a spice mixture that gives it that authentic smokehouse flavor. The results are tantalizing, juicy and oh so flavorful.
It’s not just us proclaiming the virtues of this recipe; here’s what people have to say about it:
“I was craving something different in my grilled chicken stand by, so i searched new recipes and came across this one. I gave this chicken 48 hours in brine and enjoyed the final product like i never could’ve imagined! The blend of spice seasonings in this recipe is perfect! My whole family loved it! Will definitely make again.” – Lori R.
“This is like a restaurant-quality dish with very little effort! Love how juicy it turned out and with all that smoky flavor – yum.” – Jillian M.
“The juiciest chicken I’ve ever tasted!” – Billy M.
Not only is this smokehouse chicken recipe ridiculously delicious, it’s also versatile. It works as a protein-packed entree paired alongside some greens or as a sandwich or as pulled chicken salad. Or try smoking a whole chicken for a party at your next weekend get together!
In short, whether you’re an ardent fan of smoky foods or just looking for a new and exciting way to prepare some plain old chicken breasts, this recipe will not disappoint. So go ahead and make it your go-to whenever you’re craving some smoked goodness!
Ingredient List
Ingredients for Smokehouse Chicken Recipe
Here is a list of everything you will need to make this delicious Smokehouse Chicken recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Rub Mixture
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smokehouse pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
BBQ Rub for the Meat
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Spritz Recipe for the Smoker
- 2 parts apple cider vinegar
- 1 part water
Optional Toppings and Pairings
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Cheddar cheese
Note: You can also substitute the chicken breasts with whole chicken, chicken burgers or sliced chicken. Additionally, this recipe calls for a smokehouse maple BBQ sauce, but any BBQ sauce will work fine.
The Recipe How-To
Time for some smokin’ hot chicken!
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start preparing your smokehouse chicken.
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
Begin by rinsing your boneless skinless chicken breasts and patting them dry with a paper towel. Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle both sides of the meat generously with kosher salt. This will help to enhance the flavors of the bird.
Step 2: Aromatic Spice blend
Next, in a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, and smoked pepper. Sprinkle this aromatic spice mixture over the chicken on both sides. Ensure that every piece of chicken is coated with this seasoning blend.
Step 3: Smoke it up!
Preheat your smoker to 225°F while you’re preparing the chicken. Once preheated, place the chicken in the smoker with the skin side facing up. You can use any smoking wood chips like hickory or mesquite for flavor profile. Smoke your chicken for at least 1 hour before spritzing. For spritzing, mix 1 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tsp apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz over each piece of chicken twice an hour to keep them moist.
Step 4: Sauté Some Bacon
Meanwhile, prepare 4 slices of bacon in a frying pan until crisp and crumble them into bits.
Step 5: BBQ Sauce Time
Once you’ve pulled the smoked chicken out from the smoker, heat an oven to 375°F . Grab a baking sheet and place a cooking rack on top of it to prevent sticking. Go ahead and brush each piece of smoked chicken with your favorite bbq sauce—I like to use Smokehouse Maple BBQ Sauce from Wholehearted Culinary Cuts until each piece is well-glossed by that smooth sauce.
Step 6: Baking Time
Now is time for cooking our smoke-infused bird in an oven tightly! Place every single piece on the rack for juicy meat that is perfectly cooked through all around. Bake at 375°F for about ten minutes or until completely heated through.
Step 7: Serving Up
Once done, bring out your tasty smokehouse chicken recipe garnished with crumbled bacon bits. Add some cheddar cheese or sliced up veggies- any salad or side dish works well served alongside this dish.
You now have made something incredibly delicious without much fuss- Your smokehouse chicken recipe is officially complete!
Substitutions and Variations
As a cook, I believe in experimenting and personalizing recipes to suit my taste, and this smoky chicken recipe is no exemption! Here are some ingredient substitutions and variations that you can try out:
1. Meat: Instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken parts like legs or thighs for an even fuller flavor. For a leaner option, try using turkey breast.
2. BBQ Rub: Don’t have a pre-made rub on hand? No problem! You can make your own rub by mixing paprika, kosher salt, smokehouse pepper, and brown sugar together. Adjust the spiciness level to your liking by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder.
3. Sauce: You can use any barbecue sauce you like, but I recommend trying out bourbon smoked barbecue sauce or smokehouse maple for a truly unique flavor profile.
4. Cheese: If you want to add a cheesy twist to your smoked chicken, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken breast during the last 5 minutes of cooking in the smoker.
5. Wrapping: We’ve wrapped our smoked chicken with bacon before placing it into the smoker but you may also wrap it in prosciutto or other cured meats for variety.
6. Veggie: You can also add some vegetables into the crockpot with your smoked chicken for an easy one-pot meal! Onion slices or sweet potatoes that are cut into small cubes would be great additions.
7. Sandwiches or Salads: Leftovers? No problem! The smoked chicken makes amazing sandwiches or pulled chicken salads that will definitely impress your lunch buddies!
Remember, these are just examples – feel free to get creative and mix things up according to your preferences. After all, cooking is a form of personal expression where anything goes!
Serving and Pairing
Now, comes the most exciting part- serving and pairing your delicious Smokehouse Chicken! This recipe pairs really well with sides like sweet cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes or coleslaw. A good old classic Mac n cheese also makes a great accompaniment with its cheesy goodness complementing the smoky fragrance of the dish.
Chipotle mayo, ranch dressings or honey mustard make great dipping sauces for this mouthwatering chicken recipe. Drizzle some more BBQ sauce over the chicken before serving to add some extra flavor to your smoked meat.
If you want to be adventurous and try something different, you can even make a sandwich out of it. Toast a couple of burger buns, slather some tangy BBQ sauce on both sides and stack up a heap of shredded smoked chicken. Add some fresh lettuce leaves, ripe tomatoes and melted cheddar cheese for an absolutely lip-smacking sandwich.
The possibilities with this smokehouse chicken are endless! You can also use it as a topping in your pizzas or salads, or even make pulled chicken salad with it. The versatility of this recipe will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Being able to cook up such an exquisite dish is no less than a feat but making sure it’s served perfectly is also highly crucial. So go ahead and amaze everyone with your culinary genius by presenting this Smokehouse Chicken just right!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing food in advance can be a game-changer, especially when you have a busy lifestyle. With this Smokehouse Chicken Recipe, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for convenient weekday meals or save it for a barbecue party later on.
If you decide to make this recipe ahead, let it cool first before storing it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh inside the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to reheat it properly before consuming, and never leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Reheating this dish is easy and hassle-free. You can use a microwave or oven to heat it up. To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken into a microwave-safe plate, cover it with cling wrap or use a microwave-safe lid and then heat it up for two minutes at high heat, stirring occasionally. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F and place your chicken in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover with foil or use an oven-safe lid and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Another way to enjoy smoked chicken leftovers is by making pulled chicken sandwiches or salads. Shred the cooked chicken breasts and toss them with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sandwich filling or mix them with greens and vinaigrette dressing for a tasty salad.
This Smokehouse Chicken Recipe can also be used as a flavorful topping for homemade pizzas, rice bowls or even as dog treats (without any seasoning or sauce). Regardless of how you serve it, the rich aroma of campfire smokehouse flavors will surely elevate any dish you create with it.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to preparing the perfect Smokehouse Chicken, attention to detail can mean the difference between a good meal and a great one. Here are some tips to ensure that your chicken is juicy, flavorful, and smoked to perfection.
First off, make sure to use high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts from Springer Mountain Farms. This premium chicken will provide the best flavor and texture for your Smokehouse Chicken.
Next, take the time to prepare a homemade smoky BBQ rub to season your chicken. Mix paprika, salt, and Smokehouse pepper together in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast. The smoky flavor of this homemade BBQ rub creates an irresistibly delicious crust on your smoked chicken.
To achieve the perfect smoke flavor in your chicken, use a smokehouse smoker or Dutch oven placed on top of an open fire with campfire smokehouse. Allow the meat to smoke for at least an hour so that it can fully absorb that rich smokiness. You can also spritz the chicken with apple cider vinegar every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
It’s essential not to overcook the chicken; otherwise, you’ll end up with dry meat. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature of your smoked chicken with a thermometer to ensure that it reaches 165°F.
Finally, let your cooked chicken rest for five minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and keep your Smokehouse Chicken moist and tender.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have perfectly smoked and flavorful chicken every time!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make the perfect Smokehouse Chicken Recipe, it’s time to answer some common questions that can arise while preparing this dish. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that will help you achieve the best results with this flavorful and smoky chicken recipe.
What is smokehouse chicken?
Are you ready to try an explosion of flavor in your mouth? The Original Smokehouse Chicken is a creation of Chef Kevin Houston from Church’s Chicken and it has captured the hearts of many food lovers. This juicy and tender half chicken is first marinated in a smoky sauce, then fried and coated with a delicious smoky glaze. Get ready to experience a taste you won’t forget!
How do you smoke chicken and keep it moist?
To get started with preparing the chicken, take a brush and apply a light coat of oil on each side of the chicken breasts. Next, sprinkle the rub seasoning generously on both sides of the chicken. Be sure that every part of the chicken is evenly covered with the rub. After seasoning, place the chicken on the smoker to cook for around 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150° and holds steady for five minutes. This ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly and leaves only room for finger-licking goodness.
What do you spritz chicken with when smoking?
Alright, let’s get ready to smoke some delicious chicken! Begin by placing your perfectly seasoned chicken onto the grill. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to put it on the indirect side. Then, close the lid and let the magic happen for an entire hour.
Once that time has passed, it’s time to add a little something extra to the chicken. Using a spray bottle, spritz a bit of apple cider vinegar or apple juice over the chicken. Not only will it add a new dimension of flavor, but it’s also a great way to keep the chicken moist during the smoking process. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Do you sear chicken before smoking?
As a professional chef, my first recommendation when cooking chicken breasts is to sear them until the skin is perfectly golden brown. This will add a deep, crispy texture to the meat that will make your mouth water. Don’t forget to sprinkle your favorite dry rub over the chicken and pat it down to make the seasonings stick. Once the searing is complete, smoke the chicken breasts for 40 to 60 minutes at 225F until the internal temperature reaches 150F. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through while retaining its natural juices, while also infusing it with a smoky flavor that will make it irresistible.
Bottom Line
It’s time to heat up your smoker and get ready for some mouthwatering smokehouse chicken! This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of barbecue, maple, and bacon. From the rub to the spritz to the barbecue sauce, every step of this recipe is packed with flavor.
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that is unforgettable. Smokehouse chicken is perfect for any occasion, from a casual backyard barbecue to a special family dinner.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of smokehouse chicken for yourself. Spring Mountain Farms has created culinary cuts that can be slow cooked in campfire smokehouse or dutch oven using different seasonings like garlic, smokehouse maple and bourbon smoked. Re-imagine your summer bbq, create sandwiches, salads or load tacos – the possibilities are endless!
Thank you for letting me guide you through this recipe. I hope my instructions were clear and easy to follow. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy smoking!
Smokehouse Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon (cooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- barbecue sauce (Jack Daniels no.7 works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- On stovetop add Olive Oil to frying pan and then grill chicken until cooked through. Wrap 2 slices of bacon around each cooked chicken breast and place in casserole dish. sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over each piece of chicken and then cover in BBQ sauce. Place in oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.