How To Smoke Chicken Breasts On Traeger

Smoking Chicken Breasts on a Traeger Grill

Smoking chicken breasts on a Traeger grill is a fantastic way to infuse your meat with delicious smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. With the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can create mouthwatering smoked chicken breasts that will impress your family and friends. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly smoked chicken breasts on your Traeger grill.

Choose the Right Chicken Breasts

When it comes to smoking chicken breasts, it’s essential to start with high-quality meat. Look for fresh, plump chicken breasts with the skin still on. The skin will help protect the meat during the smoking process and keep it moist and flavorful.

Brine for Flavor and Moisture

Before you start smoking, consider brining your chicken breasts to enhance their flavor and moisture. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar can work wonders. You can also add herbs and spices to the brine for extra flavor. Let the chicken breasts soak in the brine for at least an hour before smoking.

Preheat and Prepare Your Traeger Grill

Once your chicken breasts are brined and ready to go, it’s time to preheat your Traeger grill. Set the temperature to 225°F (107°C) and allow the grill to preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes. This will create the perfect environment for smoking your chicken breasts.

Add Flavor with Wood Chips

Next, select your favorite wood chips to add a distinct smoky flavor to your chicken breasts. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips are popular choices for smoking poultry. Fill the Traeger’s wood chip box or hopper with your chosen wood chips, and you’re ready to start smoking.

Smoke the Chicken Breasts

Place the brined chicken breasts directly on the grill grates of your Traeger. Close the lid and let the chicken breasts smoke at 225°F (107°C) for approximately 60-90 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The low and slow smoking process will infuse the chicken breasts with incredible flavor and tenderness.

Rest and Serve

Once the chicken breasts have reached the perfect internal temperature, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and delicious smoked chicken breasts. Slice the chicken and serve it as a standalone dish or as part of your favorite recipes.

Conclusion

Smoking chicken breasts on a Traeger grill is a rewarding experience that yields mouthwatering results. With the right preparation, smoking technique, and a touch of patience, you can elevate simple chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a family meal, smoked chicken breasts are sure to be a hit. So fire up your Traeger grill, follow these steps, and get ready to savor the incredible flavor of smoked chicken breasts.