Tag: smoked chicken

Smoked Chicken Thighs

I have been smoking all sorts of meats for years. But for some reason, chicken thighs never made it onto my list of things to smoke. I was jonesin’ for a BBQ chicken sandwich.

Now normally, I’d smoke a boneless chicken breast that I had brined (to keep it moist and tender) and shred or chop it. But since I’ve been on a chicken thigh kick lately, and had a freezer full of thighs from the last time they went on sale, I decided on smoked chicken thighs. And boy I could not have been happier.

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Perfect Juicy Tender Chicken

After just a few hours on my Weber smoker, these smoked chicken thighs were done. Super juicy and tender, I knew I was in for a treat. It didn’t take long to remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones. Smoked thigh meat is perfect on BBQ sandwiches or nachos or pizzas.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites.

Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Chicken Thighs

I’ve been on a chicken thigh kick lately, so I decided to smoke a big batch. And boy I could not have been happier.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken thighs, smoked
Prep Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings 3 pounds
Calories 2128kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 6 pounds chicken thighs bone in, skin on

For the brine

For the rub

Instructions

  • Trim any excess fat from the thighs. Place them in a large (large enough to hold the chicken and brine) resealable container.
  • Add the brine. Stir gently to make sure the chicken is all exposed to the brine. Seal and refrigerate for 3 hours.
  • Remove the chicken from the brine (discard) and rinse with cold water. Return the chicken to the (now dry) container.
  • Squirt the thighs with the mustard, turning to get all sides. Rub the mustard around and cover the thicken.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with the rub, making you sure you get it on all sides.
  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 230 F. Use a nice fruit wood such as apple. For a stronger smoke flavor use hickory.
  • Add the chicken to the smoker and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 170 F, 2 to 2 1/12 hours.
  • Remove the chicken. Discard the skin. Pull the meat from the bones and chop or shred as desired.

For the brine

  • Combine all ingredients. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.

Nutrition

Calories: 2128kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 147g | Fat: 151g | Saturated Fat: 41g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 889mg | Sodium: 20131mg | Potassium: 1941mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

GreenSpark Firestarters 70 Pcs Natural Fire Starter for Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, BBQ, Wooden & Pellet Stove, Fire Pit, Long Burn, Waterproof, All Weather Fire Starters Safe for Indoor/Outdoor Use
GreenSpark Firestarters 70 Pcs Natural Fire Starter for Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, BBQ, Wooden & Pellet Stove, Fire Pit, Long Burn, Waterproof, All Weather Fire Starters Safe for Indoor/Outdoor Use
GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)
GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Creamy Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich

We’re big fans of chicken salad sandwiches. And whenever chicken goes on sale I’ll load up and either roast the chicken on my Big Easy or toss it on my Weber Smoky Mountain smoker. We make a traditional chicken salad sandwich and sometimes, a Creole chicken salad sandwich. I recently ran across this creamy smoked chicken salad sandwich recipe.

Creamy Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich

A Nice Twist On The Classic

This salad is a variation on the traditional approach, adding a bit of mustard and chopped pickles. The mustard and pickles really make a big difference in the salad. A little crunch from the veggies and pickle, and a little zing from the mustard. Perfect!

I used smoked chicken breasts in our creamy smoked chicken salad sandwiches, but smoked thighs are also fantastic!

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my chicken salad crescents. Prefer crab instead? Make some creamy crab salad sandwiches instead!

This recipe is based on a recipe from Extra Ordinary BBQ.

Creamy Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich
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4.50 from 2 votes

Creamy Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich

This is a variation on the traditional approach, adding a bit of mustard and chopped pickles. A little crunch from the veggies and pickle, and a little zing from the mustard. Perfect!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken salad, sandwich, smoked
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 488kcal
Author From Extra Ordinary BBQ

Ingredients

For the chicken salad

For the sandwiches

  • 6 buns or 12 slices bread
  • chicken salad from above
  • 12 leaves lettuce optional
  • 12 slices tomato optional

Instructions

For the chicken salad

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the sandwiches

  • Warm the bread if desired.
  • Top with salad and lettuce and tomato if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 864mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 660IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Smoked Chicken Cobb Salad

A big Cobb salad makes for a great side dish. Or main dish for that matter. I had some smoked chicken left over and decided to make it the center of this smoked chicken Cobb salad. Of course you can go crazy with a Cobb with whatever meats and veggies or fruits you want. That’s the beauty of a Cobb. No rules. No judgement.

Smoked Chicken Cobb Salad

My Kind Of Salad

I was feeling particularly artsy, so I waffle cut some radish and cucumbers for this smoked chicken Cobb salad. It’s nice to always do something a little different. It doesn’t have to be big, it can be something as subtle as a waffle cut. People will remember it and it really didn’t take any extra effort.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Smoked Chicken Cobb Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Chicken Cobb Salad

A big Cobb salad makes for a great side dish. Or main dish for that matter. I had some smoked chicken left over and decided to make it the center of this smoked chicken Cobb salad
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • Green and red leaf lettuce chopped
  • Smoked chicken cubed (any cooked chicken will do)
  • Bacon cooked, drained, chopped
  • Eggs hard boiled and rough chopped
  • Avocado rough chopped
  • Cucumber sliced thin
  • Radishes sliced thin
  • Extra sharp cheddar shredded
  • Cherry tomatoes halved

Other toppings

Instructions

  • Layer lettuce on a large platter.
  • Top with remaining ingredients, placing in rows.
  • Serve.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Smoked Maple Chicken

This wonderful smoked maple chicken ended up on some great smoked chicken sandwiches, and also on Cobb salads. I used a spicy rub to offset the sweetness of the glaze. Sure I could just sit down with a nice smoked maple chicken breast for dinner. My rule is that if there’s extra room on the smoker I always fill it. With dishes like this chicken for example. You can always freeze whatever you make for later.

Smoked Maple Chicken

A High Heat Smoke

I smoked the chicken using my Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. I did not put any water into the water pan so I could obtain the 325 degrees needed for chicken. You won’t get crispy skin at that temperature but you’ll still get delicious chicken. You’ll want to smoke at a higher temperature versus what you might use for say ribs or pork shoulder, which is often around 225 F.

Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Smoked Maple Chicken
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Maple Chicken

This wonderful smoked maple chicken ended up on some great smoked chicken sandwiches, and also on Cobb salads. I used a spicy rub to offset the sweetness of the glaze. Sure I could just sit down with a nice smoked maple chicken breast for dinner. But if there’s extra room on the smoker I always fill it. You can always freeze whatever you make for later.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, maple, smoked
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 113kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the maple glaze

Instructions

  • Brine chicken per instructions.
  • Rinse and pat dry, then sprinkle with your favorite rub.
  • Start your smoker for cooking at 325 F, or use a grill set up for indirect cooking. Your temperature must be at least 300 F or you won’t get crunchy skin.
  • Prepare the glaze by mixing the ingredients in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Smoke or grill chicken until almost done, around 145 F as measured in a thick part of the meat.
  • Baste meat with the maple glaze and continue cooking until meat temperature hits 160 F. Baste as often as you like during that time.
  • Let rest before carving.

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 95mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

GreenSpark Firestarters 70 Pcs Natural Fire Starter for Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, BBQ, Wooden & Pellet Stove, Fire Pit, Long Burn, Waterproof, All Weather Fire Starters Safe for Indoor/Outdoor Use
GreenSpark Firestarters 70 Pcs Natural Fire Starter for Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, BBQ, Wooden & Pellet Stove, Fire Pit, Long Burn, Waterproof, All Weather Fire Starters Safe for Indoor/Outdoor Use
GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)
GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush