1. How long do chicken thighs take to smoke at 225 degrees?

At 225°F, chicken thighs typically take 1.5 to 2 hours to cook, but always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F for food safety.

2. How do you keep chicken moist when smoking?

To keep chicken thighs moist, cook them at a low temperature (225°F) and avoid overcooking. The high fat content in thighs helps them stay juicy, and using a marinade or rub enhances the moisture retention.

3. How to smoke chicken thighs to get crispy skin?

To achieve crispy skin, smoke the chicken at 225°F for most of the cooking time, then increase the temperature to 375°F for the last 10-15 minutes to render the skin and make it crispy.

4. Do you have to brine chicken thighs before smoking?

Brining is optional for chicken thighs. Their high fat content ensures they remain juicy, but if you want to enhance flavor, brining or marinating can add additional moisture and flavor.

Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe That’s Juicy, Smoky, and Irresistibly Crispy

Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Juicy, Crispy & Irresistible Chicken

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This smoke chicken thighs recipe is the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful meat and crispy, golden skin. It’s easy to make, packed with smoky flavor, and ideal for weekend cookouts or casual dinners.

Author: yummyyrecipe.com
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Wood chips (applewood or hickory)

Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat smoker to 225°F using your choice of wood chips.

2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and optionally brine for 2–4 hours beforehand.

3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

4. Rub the seasoning mix generously over the chicken thighs.

5. Place thighs on smoker, skin-side up, and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours.

6. Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 175°F.

7. For crispy skin, finish with a 5-minute sear at 375°F on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet.

8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, brine the chicken in saltwater before seasoning.

Applewood adds a mild, sweet smoke; hickory brings boldness.

Serve with BBQ sides like corn, slaw, or roasted veggies.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 thighs
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Find it online: https://yummyyrecipe.com/smoked-chicken-thighs-recipe/