Looking to take your chicken game to the next level? You’ve got to try this Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast! It’s juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a casual dinner, this dish will definitely impress. Trust me, you’re going to love the depth of flavor the Traeger brings to this chicken. It’s that perfect balance of smoky, savory goodness!
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Why You’ll Love Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Flavorful: The smoky flavor from the Traeger wood pellet grill infuses the chicken with depth and richness. It’s like nothing else you’ve ever tasted!
Simple & Delicious: This recipe uses minimal ingredients to create maximum flavor. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, and this one proves that!
Impress Your Guests: Fire up the grill, and you’re instantly the grill master. Whether you’re serving it at a party or a casual dinner, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Healthy & Lean: Chicken breast is a lean protein, so you get all the juicy goodness without the guilt. Perfect for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast recipe:
Chicken Breasts: The lean, versatile protein that gets tender and juicy when cooked right on the Traeger grill. Make sure to choose boneless, skinless breasts for best results.
Olive Oil: This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken while keeping it moist during smoking.
Seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These simple ingredients bring out the natural flavors of the chicken without overwhelming it.
Wood Pellets: Choose your favorite wood pellet flavor for the Traeger. For chicken, hickory or apple wood work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other flavors!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this smoky, juicy masterpiece:
Preheat the Traeger Grill: Start by preheating your Traeger to 225°F. Let the grill warm up and start releasing that smoky aroma.
Prepare the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides to keep them moist. Then, season generously with the seasoning blend. Be sure to cover all sides of the chicken to get that flavor all over.
Place the Chicken on the Grill: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill grates. Close the lid and let the magic happen. Smoke the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken is tender and moist.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice it up and serve it however you like! Whether it’s on a salad, in a sandwich, or with some sides, this Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast is sure to be the star of the show.
How to Serve Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or peppers for a smoky, healthy side.
Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great pairing with this flavorful chicken.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa to add some hearty texture that complements the smoky chicken.
Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes are classic sides that go beautifully with smoked chicken.
Sandwiches: For a quick and easy option, slice the chicken and make a delicious sandwich or wrap with your favorite toppings.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Keep the Lid Closed: When smoking chicken, try to resist the urge to open the grill too often. The less you open it, the better the chicken will cook and absorb that smoky flavor.
Brine the Chicken: For even juicier chicken, you can brine the chicken breasts for a couple of hours before smoking. This will add moisture and tenderness to the meat.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The perfect temperature for chicken breasts is 165°F.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to suit your taste. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spice it up with chili powder or cayenne.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in breasts will take a little longer to cook.
Q2: Can I use other cuts of chicken?
A2: Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks—just adjust the cooking time based on the cut.
Q3: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A3: The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without a Traeger?
A4: Yes! You can use any smoker or grill that can maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F. Just make sure to use wood chips or pellets to infuse that smoky flavor.
Q5: Can I marinate the chicken before smoking it?
A5: Yes, marinating the chicken for a few hours can add extra flavor and moisture. Just be sure to pat it dry before seasoning and smoking.
Q6: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can! Smoke the chicken ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Q7: Can I freeze this chicken?
A7: Yes! You can freeze the smoked chicken for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q8: Can I use this recipe for chicken wings or thighs?
A8: Yes, you can! The cooking time will be shorter for wings or thighs, so be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q9: How do I reheat leftover smoked chicken?
A9: To preserve the smoky flavor, reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
Q10: Can I use a different wood pellet flavor?
A10: Yes! While hickory and apple are great options, feel free to experiment with other wood flavors like mesquite or cherry. Each one will add a unique twist to the flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet delicious way to make Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast that’s packed with smoky flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So fire up that Traeger and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoker (Traeger)
- Cuisine: American
Description
This high-protein Traeger smoked chicken breast is a delicious and juicy way to enjoy chicken! Smoked to perfection with wood-fired flavor, it’s a great addition to your high-protein breakfast or meal prep routine. With the Traeger’s unique cooking method, the chicken turns out tender and flavorful every time
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill grates and close the lid.
- Smoke the chicken for 2–3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: Drizzle with lemon juice before serving for added brightness.
- Serve with your favorite sides, in salads, or as a protein-packed addition to wraps.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix and olive oil for 30 minutes before smoking.
- The chicken can also be finished off with a higher heat (375°F) for the last 10 minutes for a crispier exterior.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg