Description
Juicy, tender smoked chicken thighs with irresistibly crispy skin and a perfectly balanced smoky spice rub. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (2 to 3 pounds / 900g to 1.4kg)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Hickory or apple wood chips, soaked for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place skin-side up on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to dry the skin.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Remove chicken from fridge. Drizzle olive oil over each thigh and rub gently. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly on all sides, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat smoker or grill for indirect heat at 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C). Add soaked wood chips to smoker box or coals.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side up on grill grates away from direct heat. Close lid and smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Optional: If skin is not crispy enough, increase heat to medium-high or move thighs over direct heat for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove chicken and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Drying the skin before smoking is key to achieving crispy skin. Maintain consistent low temperature during smoking for tender meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. Rest chicken after smoking to keep it juicy. Optional crisping step over direct heat enhances skin texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 chicken th
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 15
Keywords: smoked chicken thighs, smoked chicken, crispy chicken skin, easy chicken recipe, backyard BBQ, grilled chicken, hickory smoked chicken