The Juiciest Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe Ever

Mastering the art of smoky, juicy traeger smoked chicken breast can elevate your backyard cooking game to new heights.

Crisp wood-fired flavors infuse every tender bite with incredible depth.

Backyard barbecue enthusiasts adore this straightforward method for creating mouthwatering protein.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity of this technique.

Perfectly seasoned and slowly smoked, the chicken emerges with a golden-brown exterior and succulent interior.

Subtle wood notes dance across your palate, creating a memorable dining experience.

What Goes Into Smoked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that's the star of the dish, boneless and skinless works best for even smoking.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasoning stick to chicken and promotes even browning.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Create a robust, savory flavor profile with depth and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh accent to the smoky chicken, optional but recommended.

Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast Cooking Guide

Step 1: Ignite the Smoky Flavor Powerhouse

Fire up your Traeger grill to a low and slow temperature of 225°F, creating the perfect environment for transforming ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 2: Massage in the Magic

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these spices into every nook and cranny of the chicken, ensuring maximum taste potential.

Step 3: Begin the Smoking Symphony

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on the grill grates, then close the lid to trap in all those incredible smoky vibes.

Step 4: Patience Creates Perfection

Let the chicken slowly smoke for 2–3 hours, allowing the Traeger to work its magic.

Your goal is reaching an internal temperature of 165°F – this ensures juicy, safe-to-eat chicken that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Refresh

Once the chicken hits the perfect temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

This crucial pause allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.

Step 6: Brighten the Flavor

For an extra zesty twist, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.

Step 7: Serve with Creativity

Slice up your smoky masterpiece and enjoy it multiple ways – tucked into crisp salads, wrapped in soft tortillas, or as a star protein alongside your favorite sides.

Smoked Chicken Breast Tips On Traeger

• Use fresh, high-quality spices and rub them generously into the chicken for maximum flavor penetration.
• Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and safe to eat.
• Let the smoked chicken rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, preventing dry meat and enhancing overall tenderness.
• Customize the spice mix by trying different herb combinations like rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning for unique flavor profiles.
• Slice smoked chicken breasts and store in airtight containers for quick protein additions to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

Smoked Chicken That Reheats With Gentle Heat

• Store leftover smoked chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which preserves quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm chicken gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying, using 30-second intervals until heated through at 165°F.
• Restore moisture by adding a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating, helping maintain the smoky, juicy texture of the original dish.

Flavor Boosters For Smoked Chicken

• Pair Smoky with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the smoky chicken's rich flavor profile.
• Refresh with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, cucumber, and fresh herbs to balance the meat's deep smokiness.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes that match the chicken's earthy seasoning notes.
• Cool Down with Creamy Coleslaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with greek yogurt dressing to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, intense smoked chicken.

Smoked Chicken Breast Flavors

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary, basil, and parsley for a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap salt-based seasoning with salt-free herb blends or citrus zest to maintain taste without excess sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil and add cayenne pepper for extra kick while keeping the recipe low-carb and high-protein.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and verify no cross-contamination during preparation for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Why use a Traeger grill for smoking chicken breast?

A Traeger grill provides consistent low and slow heat, infusing the chicken with delicious smoky flavor while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender.

• What wood pellets work best for smoking chicken?

Fruit woods like apple or cherry are excellent choices, providing a mild, sweet smoke that complements chicken without overpowering its natural flavor.

• How do I know the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains moist.

• Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can season the chicken up to 24 hours before smoking, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat and enhance its overall flavor profile.

Smoked Chicken Breast That’s Juicy And Flavorful

• Quick and Effortless Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple seasoning make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just a few minutes to coat chicken with flavorful spices.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Delivers lean, juicy chicken with low-fat content and high protein, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals seeking nutritious meal options.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to multiple serving styles – slice for salads, stuff in wraps, pair with side dishes, or enjoy as a standalone protein, making meal planning super convenient.
• Flavor-Packed Smoking Technique: Traeger grill's low-and-slow smoking method infuses deep, smoky flavors while keeping chicken incredibly tender and moist, elevating basic chicken to gourmet-level deliciousness.

Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Traeger smoked chicken breast delivers mouthwatering flavor straight from classic American barbecue traditions. Smoky, tender meat with perfectly crisp skin promises a delicious meal that will satisfy hungry grill enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Traeger grill by setting the temperature to a low and slow 225°F, creating the perfect environment for infusing smoky flavors into the chicken.
2. Massage the chicken breasts with a light coating of olive oil, ensuring even coverage for optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Craft a robust spice blend combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, generously coating each chicken breast.
4. Position the seasoned chicken directly on the grill grates, allowing the wood pellets to impart their distinctive smoky essence.
5. Secure the grill lid and let the chicken smoke leisurely, maintaining a consistent low temperature for 2–3 hours.
6. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer, removing it from the grill precisely when it reaches the safe 165°F mark.
7. Allow the smoked chicken to rest and relax for 5–10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Enhance the final presentation with a bright, zesty squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an additional layer of flavor.
9. Slice the chicken and serve alongside your preferred accompaniments, or incorporate it into salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a protein-rich meal.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to 2 hours before smoking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which can lead to dry chicken.
• Experiment with different wood pellets like apple, hickory, or mesquite to create unique smoky flavor profiles.
• For low-carb and keto diets, serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice to maintain nutritional balance.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg