When it comes to grilling chicken thighs, you are used to flipping the thighs on a regular basis. This is why I prefer to smoke it at 225 degrees F. The chicken cooks more slowly, allowing to track the internal temperature a bit better. Season Chicken Thighs: Drizzle each thigh with a little bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, then liberally apply dry rub to each thigh. As you can see from the recipe, I boost the temperature up to 400 degrees towards the end. Take out when the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. Let the smoked chicken thighs rest for up to 10 minutes before serving. After the chicken has brined, remove each quarter from the ziplock, and pat dry with paper towels. Most commercial sauces are also incredibly sweet to the point where you cant really taste much else. We recommend setting up the grill or smoker for indirect heat to cook at 300F. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'madbackyard_com-portrait-2','ezslot_32',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-portrait-2-0');Smoked chicken thighs are great on their own, or you can pair them with our maple bourbon smoked pineapple for a Hawaiian theme. Pro Tip: DO NOT use cooking oil to help additional rub adhere to the chicken skin. Swap your regular chicken breast dinners for chicken thighs, which offer more flavor and moisture, and cook in less time. Instead, you can simply take the smoked chicken thighs off the pellet grill at the same time. Due to this, you get to enjoy the delicious taste of the rub. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madbackyard_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madbackyard_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_26',171,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-171{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}The best woods for smoking chicken include the fruitwoods like apple, cherry, and peach, but also the milder smoking woods like pecan, oak and alder. However, you can certainly choose your favorite brand if you like. This is because they can cook unevenly. Chicken skin can be rather high in saturated fat and calories. Chicken thighs take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes to fully cook on a smoker set to 275 degrees F. Keep an internal meat thermometer handy and continue to smoke until your chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 170-175 degrees F. Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Chicken Thighs on the MAK 2. This means the fire rod has fully heated up to burn the pellets more cleanly. In case you have an older model, I would suggest getting one that has a wire that can be arranged outside of the hood. Next, set the temperature to preheat the Pit Boss pellet grill to 350F. This is to ensure that the skin gets nice and crispy since I am smoking the chicken thighs at 225 degrees. For instance, some people like to add chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to increase the spice factor. Pay dry with paper towels. You can flip the chicken wings halfway through the cook if you wish. Smoked Chicken Breasts Recipe Ingredients 4 chicken breasts, bone in and skin on Dry Rub 1 tbs. Poultry has a tendency to dry out so the last thing that I want is to smoke the meat at a too-high temperature. The skin will have browned. They are optionally finished with a yummy bbq sauce glaze. If really are having a hard time getting your BBQ rub to adhere, use the smallest amount of cooking oil possible to make it stick. And, as with the chicken breast, there really isnt such a thing as a too-moist chicken thigh. They also have more meat than wings so go a lot further. If you add sauce before the skin gets crispy, IT WILL NEVER GET CRISPY at that point. Chicken thigh meat is brown and has a little more fat then the breast, but also slightly more flavorful. Not just any chicken wings but the ones with crispy skin and the perfect amount of seasoning that makes you excited to grab the very next wing. You'll love this pellet grill recipe for chicken. The chicken thighs can then be smoked. If using a gas or charcoal grill, set it up for low heat. This is what makes chicken one of the most popular foods to cook in an outdoor bbq. Glossy, tender, and flavorful, these Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs with Teriyaki Glaze are first marinated overnight in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. So if you need a more in-depth review on how to use your Pit Boss for the first time, check those articles out first! Place the legs on the grill and let them cook for 15 minutes. This will speed up the auger to prime it full of pellets before you start preheating. American, Australian, barbecue, BBQ, Smoked, preferably a fruitwood like apple or cherry; or oak. Seal the bag and coat the chicken well. Directions When ready to cook, fire up your Pit Boss and preheat to 225F. This is why smoked chicken thighs taste better when they are cooked to between 180 and 185 degrees. I am here to dissuade you from doing this. Put the chicken breast side down on the preheated pellet grill. If using a gas or charcoal grill, set it up for low heat. However, the ideal temperature for smoking chicken breasts is between 325 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Add your chosen pellets to the hopper, start the Pit Boss pellet grill and put it on the "Smoke" setting. When the oil is shimmering, CAREFULLY put a few of the chicken thighs in, skin-side down. If you dont yet own an instant read thermometer, ThermoPro makes a good one of these too. There is a bit more to the internal temp of smoked chicken thighs than most people realize. Master of the Pit. Leave some space in between each chicken thigh. Coat the chicken thighs with the rub, making sure to get the spices both on top of and underneath the skin. Step 2. Weatherproof, airtight lid protects pellets from the elements, keeping them fresh and dry, Wire-mesh filter separates wood dust from the pellets for a clean burn, Heavy-duty plastic scoop to easily transfer pellets. Whats more, I also like having complete control over all the ingredients creating a balance that I am happy with. How Long Does it Take to Smoke Chicken Thighs on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill? On the Pit Boss The Best Smoked Chicken Thighs On A Pellet Grill Chicken Thighs Explained Chicken thighs come from the upper leg portion of the chicken, just above the knee. The thigh muscles are well worked, meaning the meat is dark and well-worked - a sure-fire ingredient for delicious flavor. Smoke the chicken thighs at 180F for 1 hours before bumping the pit temperature to 400F. If you wanted to know how to make the best smoked chicken thighs on a Pit Boss pellet grill, congratulations! Mesquite and hickory will give a very aggressive smoke flavor and should only be used if mixed in with some of the other types mentioned above. DO NOT use cooking oil to adhere or skin will not get crispy. Once the internal temperature of the smoked chicken thighs reaches 175F, remove them from the Pit Boss and place on a serving tray. Chicken thighs only need a little bit of trimming before smoking them on the Pit Boss but it makes a BIG difference. Return to the smoker for 10 minutes to set the sauce. Check out our Ultimate Guide to How to Keep your Family Safe by using ONLY Bristle Free Grill Brushes, along with a selection of some of our favorites! This is because unlike with chicken breasts, chicken thighs have a higher quantity of fat. Pat the bird dry. Add your wood to the coals. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'madbackyard_com-leader-3','ezslot_20',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'madbackyard_com-leader-3','ezslot_21',169,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-169{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Smoking both the legs adds a flavorful taste you just can't get from a traditional charcoal or gas grill. Even if you do apply BBQ sauce to the chicken thighs, make sure to do so only in a thin layer. Then, you will not have to check the internal temp of each at regular intervals. If your smoked chicken thighs are big enough, youll want a good leave in probe thermometer like the Thermopro as well as a second instant read thermometer to spot check as you get close to pulling them off the Pit Boss. A Pit Boss pellet grill was one of the first grills I owned. That salty moisture that formed on the surface will work its way BACK into the meat to help flavor the interior of the chicken thighs. Smoked broccoli, smoked asparagus, and even smoked cauliflower are great if youre eating healthy. Assume those links are affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you click and buy. Secure the bacon with a skewer/toothpick. Now adjust the temperature to where you need it to cook your food. Place the smoked chicken thighs back in the smoker and smoke for a few minutes before flipping the chicken thighs over. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madbackyard_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_23',172,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); We have previously covered how to season a Pit Boss, how to start a Pit Boss, as well as how to troubleshoot the smoke level of your pellet grill. Light the grill to approximately 200 degrees. of black pepper 1/4 tsp. How to reheat chicken quarters They will cook faster and you will need to track this carefully to ensure that the thighs are taken out at the right point. If you have checked out any of my other recipes, then you will know that I am not the biggest fan of basting. We are going to smoke these chicken thighs fairly hot on the PIt Boss so that they gets nice and crispy up top. This is why you should remove the skin from the underside of the thighs, but keep the bit on the top.   . Any lower, your smoked chicken thighs will not only take forever, but the skin likely wont crisp up. Season the chicken. Fill your hopper with pellets as described above. Place the chicken quarters in a pot and smoke for an hour and a half, or so, until the meat is heated to 165oF and has cooked fully.In a bowl, place the chicken parts, then let them rest for about 10 minutes. We also think the meat just tastes better when cooked that high as all the fat renders out completely. For Great Baking Recipes, Check Out Our Partner Site Youre Gonna Bake It After All. Includes 1 pound bag of each flavor Apple, Hickory, Mesquite, Cherry, Pecan and Jack DanielsIncludes 1 pound bag of each flavor Apple, Hickory, Mesquite, Cherry, Pecan and Jack Daniels. At the same time, even in their packaging, store them properly. You can pick up both and mix them like we do, or mix some Blues Hog Original in with one of your other favorites (wed suggest more savory sauces to balance the sugar, like this one from Aaron Franklin.).