Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

Name: Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 5 tablespoons Traeger Fin & Feather rub; 1 stick unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Published: July 31, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The deep smokey notes combined with the Traeger rub create a taste sensation that will impress everyone.
Juicy Texture: Smoking the chicken ensures it stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish, this smoked chicken breast fits into various meals.
Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have an amazing dish ready in no time.
Great for Meal Prep: Cook up a batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Smoker (like Traeger)
Meat thermometer
Tongs
Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

Smoker: Essential for achieving that rich smokey flavor while keeping the chicken moist.
Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without being overdone.
Tongs: Helps easily handle hot chicken without damaging it.
Basting brush: Ideal for applying olive oil and butter evenly over the chicken.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

For the Chicken

5 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
5 tablespoons Traeger Fin & Feather Rub
1 stick Butter (unsalted)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the olive oil and Traeger Fin & Feather rub together.
Brush this mixture generously over each chicken breast to ensure even coverage.

Step 3: Preheat Your Smoker

Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and allow it to preheat fully before placing the chicken inside.

Step 4: Smoke the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on the grill grates of your preheated smoker.
Close the lid and smoke for about 60 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Baste with Butter

During the last 10 minutes of smoking:
1. Melt the stick of unsalted butter.
2. Use a basting brush to coat each chicken breast with melted butter for extra richness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your deliciously moist smoked chicken!

How to Serve Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

Serving Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast is all about enhancing its juicy flavors while providing a satisfying meal experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.

On a Bed of Greens

Fresh Salad: Serve slices of smoked chicken over a bed of mixed greens for a light and healthy meal.
Spinach and Arugula: Pair it with spinach and arugula, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for added zest.

With Grains

Quinoa: The nutty flavor of quinoa complements the smokiness of the chicken nicely.
Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf can be a hearty side that balances the dish.

In Sandwiches

Chicken Sandwich: Use the smoked chicken in a sandwich with avocado and tomato for a delicious lunch option.
Wraps: Wrap slices in a tortilla with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.

Accompanied by Dips

Barbecue Sauce: Serve with barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli adds an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

To achieve Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast, follow these essential tips. They will help ensure you get the best results every time you smoke chicken.

Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh, high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for optimal juiciness.
Marinate Well: Consider marinating the chicken overnight; this enhances flavor and moisture retention during cooking.
Use Olive Oil: Brushing olive oil on the chicken before seasoning helps keep it moist throughout the smoking process.
Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after smoking; this helps redistribute juices for a more tender bite.
Experiment with Rubs: Try different seasoning blends like Traeger Fin & Feather Rub to find your favorite flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

Pairing your smoked chicken breast with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options that go well with it.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a classic pairing.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and refreshing crunch, balancing the smoky flavor.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies provide color and nutrients alongside your main dish.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of smoked chicken.
Baked Beans: Rich and hearty baked beans complement the smokiness beautifully.
Macaroni Salad: A cool macaroni salad serves as a comforting side that pairs well with any barbecue dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When smoking chicken breast, small errors can lead to dry meat or uneven flavors. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Not using enough seasoning: Failing to generously apply the Traeger Fin & Feather Rub can result in bland chicken. Ensure you coat the breasts thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Skipping the oil: Olive oil helps the rub adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist. If you skip this step, your smoked chicken breast may not be as juicy.
Cooking at too high a temperature: Smoking should be done at low temperatures for optimal tenderness. Cooking too quickly can dry out the chicken breasts, so maintain a steady smoke around 225°F.
Not letting it rest: Cutting into your chicken right away can let all the juices escape. Allowing it to rest for at least 10 minutes will keep your smoked chicken breast perfectly moist.
Using frozen chicken: Smoking frozen chicken leads to uneven cooking. Always use fresh or properly thawed boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container: Use a container that seals well to keep moisture in.
Consume within 3-4 days: For optimal freshness and flavor, eat your smoked chicken within this time frame.

Freezing Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Store for up to 3 months: Ensure you label the bags with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the chicken with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to smoke chicken breast?

Typically, it takes about 60 minutes at a temperature of 225°F to achieve perfectly cooked smoked chicken breast.

What temperature to smoke chicken breast?

For best results, maintain a smoking temperature of around 225°F. This ensures juicy and tender meat throughout.

Can I smoke frozen chicken breast?

While it’s not recommended due to uneven cooking, if necessary, ensure proper thawing before smoking for best flavor and texture.

How do I know when my smoked chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for perfectly moist smoked chicken breast.

Final Thoughts

This Perfectly Moist Smoked Chicken Breast recipe delivers incredible flavor and tenderness that will impress any guest. It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether served with sides at dinner or diced into salads. Feel free to customize the rub or add your favorite marinades for extra flair! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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