Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle the coconut sugar, onion powder, mustard powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper over the chicken. Toss well to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning.
- Marinate: Squeeze the lime juice and add half (½ cup) of the BBQ sauce to the bowl. Toss the chicken again until thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Smoker: Preheat your pellet smoker or Traeger grill to 275°F (135°C). Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge to bring it closer to room temperature before cooking.
- Smoke the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs directly on the smoker grates once the smoker reaches 275°F. Close the lid and smoke for 60 minutes. This low-and-slow method ensures tender, smoky chicken.
- Flip and Sauce: After 60 minutes, flip the chicken thighs and brush them with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Continue smoking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve your deliciously smoky boneless chicken thighs.
Notes
- The recipe works equally well for bone-in chicken thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- For best results, use a Traeger or any pellet smoker to achieve authentic smoked flavor.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce quantity to taste, using more or less as preferred during the basting step.
- Marinating longer than 2 hours is possible but may result in slightly more tender meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American