Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe

If you are craving a smoky, tender, and flavorful chicken dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this delightful Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe. With juicy chicken thighs kissed by just the right blend of spices and infused with a perfect smoky essence from your Traeger or pellet smoker, this recipe promises an effortless way to elevate weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next cookout. It’s straightforward, packed with layers of flavor, and leaves everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From bold spices to a hint of sweetness and tang, these components work harmoniously to make your smoked chicken unforgettable.

• 2 pounds Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish—juicy and tender, perfectly suited for smoking.
• 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil: A light oil that helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
• 1 teaspoon Coconut Sugar: Adds natural sweetness that enhances caramelization during smoking.
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder: Provides a savory depth to flavor without overpowering the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Mustard powder: Adds a gentle zing and complexity to the seasoning blend.
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and seasoning the meat inside and out.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Lends a smoky warmth and vibrant red color that visually excites.
• ½ teaspoon Chili powder: Brings a mild kick that balances the sweetness.
• ⅛ teaspoon Pepper: A touch of fresh heat that rounds out the seasoning.
• 1 Lime (juice of 1 lime): Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (divided): The finishing touch that provides saucy smoky flavor and moisture.

How to Make Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rub

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the oil and spices cling better and results in a more flavorful crust. Toss the chicken in avocado oil to coat it gently but thoroughly. Next, sprinkle on all the dry spices including coconut sugar, onion powder, mustard powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, and pepper. Give everything a good toss to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Add Lime Juice and BBQ Sauce

After the spices, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken—it’s the zesty magic that brightens the smoky base. Then add half of your BBQ sauce and toss again until all the pieces are richly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours; this lets the flavors really sink in, making the chicken irresistibly delicious.

Step 3: Preheat the Smoker and Smoke the Chicken

Preheat your smoker, ideally a Traeger or any pellet grill, to 275°F. Take the chicken out of the fridge so it can come closer to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Place the thighs directly on the grill grates with the lid closed, infusing them with that signature smoky flavor. Let them smoke for 60 minutes—you will already smell the wonderful aromas filling the air by this point!

Step 4: Flip and Sauce

After the first hour, flip the chicken over and generously brush with the remaining BBQ sauce. This helps build a sticky, caramelized glaze that is just irresistible. Continue smoking for another 20 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. Once done, remove the thighs and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing; this step locks in the juiciness for a truly melt-in-your-mouth bite.

How to Serve Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your smoked chicken with fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These touches not only add color but also a fresh, crisp contrast to the smoky richness, creating a multidimensional eating experience.

Side Dishes

This Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a light cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery baked sweet potato work wonders to soak up every bit of that smoky BBQ sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to get creative by serving the smoked chicken sliced over a platter with charred vegetables or stuffing it into freshly baked buns for mouthwatering sliders. Another fun idea is to add it diced over a fresh green salad or even crispy tacos topped with pickled onions and a drizzle of lime crema.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover smoked chicken thighs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3-4 days, making a fantastic protein option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your smoked chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken thighs will maintain the best quality for about 2 to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in an oven set to 300°F wrapped in foil to maintain moisture, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a quick option. Adding a little extra BBQ sauce when reheating helps revive that saucy goodness and keeps the meat tender.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! This Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe works wonderfully with bone-in thighs too. Just expect a slightly longer cook time to reach the perfect internal temperature.

What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking?

For a great smoky flavor, hickory, apple, or cherry wood pellets are ideal choices. They add a subtle sweetness and depth that complement the spice rub and BBQ sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute the avocado oil for another oil?

Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point like grapeseed or canola oil as alternatives. Just avoid extra virgin olive oil since it has a lower smoke point and a stronger flavor.

How important is the marinating time?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours really helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors. While you can skip it in a pinch, letting it rest makes a big difference in depth and tenderness.

Is it necessary to use a Traeger or can I use a regular grill?

While this recipe is tailored for a Traeger or pellet smoker for consistent temperature and smoke, you can adapt it for a regular grill using indirect heat and adding wood chips. The smoky flavor might be slightly different but still tasty!

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs (Easy Traeger Recipe) Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressively flavorful for any occasion. Smoking chicken thighs this way delivers juicy, tender meat with an irresistible smoky sauce that will have everyone asking for your secret. So fire up your Traeger, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a meal that’s all heart and delicious smoky goodness.

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