Smoking chicken thighs on a pellet grill is a way of cooking the chicken with indirect heat and wood pellets, which give it a smoky flavor and a juicy texture. It is a simple and delicious dish that you can make with some basic ingredients and equipment.
• Step 1: Prepare the chicken thighs.
You will need about 4 to 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on.
Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Trim off any excess fat or skin, if you like.
Season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub.
You can use a store-bought rub or make your own with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and brown sugar.
Rub the seasoning all over the chicken thighs, and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Step 2: Preheat the pellet grill.
You will need a pellet grill that can produce and control the smoke and heat.
You can use any type of wood pellet for smoking, but some common choices are hickory, apple, cherry, or mesquite.
Fill the hopper of the pellet grill with the wood pellets, and turn it on.
Set the temperature to 225°F (107°C), and let the grill preheat for about 15 minutes.
You should see some smoke coming out of the grill.
• Step 3: Smoke the chicken thighs.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill grates, skin side up.
Make sure to leave some space between them for the smoke to circulate.
Close the lid of the grill, and let the chicken smoke for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken, by inserting it into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
If the chicken starts to dry out, spray it with some apple juice or water every hour to keep it moist.
• Step 4: Serve the chicken thighs.
When the chicken is done, remove it from the grill, and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more succulent.
You can serve the chicken thighs as they are, or you can glaze them with some BBQ sauce and put them back on the grill for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
You can also shred the chicken and make sandwiches, salads, tacos, or other dishes with it.
Enjoy your smoked chicken thighs with some sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or cornbread.
The nutritional value：
This dish is high in protein, which is good for building and repairing muscles and keeping you full and satisfied. It also has some healthy fats, which are essential for brain and heart health, as well as skin and hair health. The barbecue sauce adds some sweetness and tanginess, which can balance the smoky flavor of the chicken thighs.
It is more suitable for eating in the summer or autumn when the weather is warm and sunny, and you can enjoy the outdoor grilling experience. It’s also a great dish for parties, picnics, or family gatherings, as it can feed many people and is easy to make. You can pair it with some refreshing drinks, like lemonade, iced tea, or beer.
Notes:
● Make sure to trim the chicken thighs well, as too much skin and fat can cause flare-ups and uneven cooking. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut off the excess.
● Don’t skip the dry brining step, as it makes a big difference in the texture and flavor of the chicken thighs. It also helps to prevent them from drying out during the long smoking process.
● Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs, as it’s the best way to ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat. The USDA recommends a minimum of 165°F for poultry, but you can go a bit higher if you like your chicken more tender and fall off the bone.
● If you want to crisp up the skin more, you can increase the temperature of the pellet grill to 375°F for the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will render the fat and make the skin crackle. Just be careful not to burn the sauce or the meat.
● Experiment with different wood pellets, sauces, and rubs to find your favorite combination. You can also add some herbs, spices, or citrus to the chicken thighs for more flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How long to cook chicken thighs on pellet grill?
It depends on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, as well as the temperature of the grill. But usually, it takes about 35 to 45 minutes to cook them well at 375°F to 400°F. You should always check the temperature of the meat with a thermometer, and make sure it reaches at least 165°F for safety and 180°F for tenderness.
If you want the skin to be more crispy, you can turn up the heat to 375°F for the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will make the fat melt and the skin crackle. But be careful not to burn the sauce or the meat.
I hope you enjoy today’s dish sharing, it’s really great for family gatherings, and I hope you can share a variety of dishes with your loved ones every day.