Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

5 from 30 votes

Juicy smoked chicken breasts are coated in a simple homemade rub and slow-cooked in the smoker until tender, flavorful, and perfect for slicing.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Resting Time30

Total Time1 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 169

Author: Candace

Preheat smoker to 225-235°F. Add hickory wood chunks to smoker chamber.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
Brush olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and season with the rub.
Place chicken on rack of smoker (upper or lower).
Insert digital BBQ 1st probe inside smoker to maintain range of 225˚F-235˚F. Insert digital BBQ 2nd probe inside center of chicken breast.
Smoke at 230°F for 45 minutes or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 160°F.
Remove chicken from smoker, tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 30 minutes, ensuring temperature reaches 165°F.

Refrigerate leftover smoked chicken breast in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Slice only what you need to prevent the rest of the breast from drying out.
Reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or on the stovetop covered with a little water.
Smoked chicken can be frozen in zippered bags for up to a month.
Use leftovers in other recipes.