Description
Smoked chicken thighs are juicy, bold, and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re using a Traeger, charcoal grill, or oven, this recipe gives you crispy skin, tender meat, and that irresistible smoky flavor.
Ingredients
4–6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic to make the marinade.
2. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 1 hour or overnight.
3. Remove thighs from marinade and pat dry. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F. Add wood chips or pellets (apple or hickory).
5. Place thighs on indirect heat side, skin-side up. Smoke for 1.5–2 hours.
6. Check internal temp—remove at 170–175°F. Optionally, crisp skin over direct heat or under broiler for 2–3 minutes.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use bone-in for more flavor and better moisture retention.
Double the marinade and reserve half to brush during cooking (boil it first for safety).
Great served with grilled corn, slaw, or cornbread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg