BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe (Easy & Flavor-Packed!)

When it comes to summer cookouts or backyard weekend dinners, nothing beats the smoky aroma of BBQ chicken slowly cooking on the smoker. This BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results every single time, making it a must-try whether you’re a beginner or backyard pitmaster. With a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you can create tender smoked chicken that’s bursting with sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy BBQ flavor. Whether you’re serving it up on a plate with classic sides or slicing it into sandwiches, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast Save

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Serves: 4Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time:
1 hour 30 minutes		Total Time:
1 hour 40 minutes

Instructions

Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F. While that’s warming up, prep the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and rub stick better and encourages that beautiful smoked crust to form. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, making sure they’re well-coated. Then, mix all your dry seasonings and brown sugar in a small bowl to create your BBQ rub. Generously coat the chicken on all sides with this rub and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the smoker finishes heating.

Place the chicken breasts directly on the smoker grates and close the lid. Smoke at 225°F for about 60–90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Brush the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce during the final 15 minutes of smoking. Once the internal temp hits 165°F, remove them from the smoker and tent with foil. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes to lock in all those juices before slicing or serving.

Tips for Perfect Smoked Chicken Breast

  • Use a meat thermometer: Always rely on temperature, not time. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F, but pulling it at 160°F and letting it rest will prevent overcooking.
  • Don’t skip the rest time: Resting allows juices to redistribute, making each bite more tender and flavorful.
  • Add a water pan: Keep your smoker moist and your chicken juicy by placing a pan of water in the smoker.
  • Wood selection matters: Fruit woods like apple or cherry add a sweet, mellow smoke flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken. Hickory is stronger and more traditional if you want a bolder taste.
BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast Save
BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to your rub or BBQ sauce if you like it hot.
  • Sweet & Sticky: Brush with a honey-BBQ glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sweet finish.
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Swap the BBQ rub with taco seasoning and top with avocado salsa for a fusion flavor.
  • Maple Mustard Glaze: Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard and brush it on during the final 10 minutes for a savory-sweet glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Bone-in chicken breasts will take a bit longer to cook (around 2 hours), but they stay juicier and have a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time and monitor internal temperature carefully.

What smoker should I use?
Any smoker will work—pellet, electric, offset, or charcoal. What matters most is keeping a consistent temperature around 225°F and choosing the right wood chips or pellets.

Can I smoke chicken breasts ahead of time?
Yes. Smoked chicken breast can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, to keep it moist.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken instead of using a dry rub?
You can marinate if you prefer, but make sure to dry the chicken well before smoking. A dry rub helps create a better bark and smoke ring on the chicken, which many BBQ lovers prefer.

Do I need to flip the chicken during smoking?
Nope. Just let the smoker do its thing. Flipping isn’t necessary at low and slow temperatures, and opening the lid too often can cause heat loss.

Related Post: Spicy Maple Chicken & Coconut Rice Recipe 

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Smoked Chicken Breast recipe is everything you want in a summertime meal—easy, flavorful, and totally foolproof. With a few tricks and your favorite BBQ sauce, you’ll have tender, smoky chicken that steals the show at any backyard cookout. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sliced up for BBQ chicken sandwiches. And the best part? It’s super customizable depending on what mood your taste buds are in.