How To Smoke Chicken Breast On An Upright Smoker

Smoking Chicken Breast on an Upright Smoker: A Delicious and Simple Guide

Smoking chicken breast on an upright smoker is a fantastic way to infuse your meat with delicious, smoky flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner looking to try something new, smoking chicken breast is a great option for a flavorful and juicy meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly smoked chicken breast on an upright smoker.

Preparing the Chicken Breast

Before you start smoking, it’s important to properly prepare your chicken breast. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start by rinsing the chicken breast under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures that the rub will stick to the meat.
2. Next, season the chicken breast with your favorite dry rub. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Once the chicken breast is seasoned, cover it and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances the overall taste.

Preparing the Upright Smoker

Now that your chicken breast is seasoned and ready to go, it’s time to prepare the upright smoker:

1. Start by filling the smoker’s water pan with water. This helps to maintain a moist cooking environment and prevents the meat from drying out.
2. Next, add your choice of wood chips to the smoker. Hickory and apple wood are popular options for smoking chicken breast, as they impart a sweet and smoky flavor.
3. Preheat the smoker to a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken breast cooks evenly and absorbs the smoky flavor.

Smoking the Chicken Breast

With the smoker preheated and ready to go, it’s time to start smoking the chicken breast:

1. Place the seasoned chicken breast on the smoker rack, ensuring that there is enough space between each piece to allow for proper airflow.
2. Close the smoker and let the chicken breast smoke for approximately 1.5-2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
3. During the smoking process, you can periodically baste the chicken breast with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and olive oil to keep it moist and add extra flavor.

Resting and Serving

Once the chicken breast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product.

Now that your smoked chicken breast is ready, you can serve it as is or incorporate it into a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or wraps. The possibilities are endless!

Smoking chicken breast on an upright smoker is a simple and rewarding process that yields delicious results. By following these steps, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken breast that is sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up your smoker and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal!