The Definitive Guide to How Long To Smoke Chicken Thighs

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Smoked chicken thighs are a great way to add flavor and variety to your barbecue. If you’re not sure how long to smoke them, don’t worry. In this blog post, we’ll provide the definitive guide on smoking chicken thighs for any occasion.

Unlike other cuts of chicken, smoking thighs can take longer than you might expect. This is because the membrane around each piece has to break down first before they become tender and delicious. It’s best not to rush it though since this process will ensure that your smoker chicken thighs are perfectly done.

In general, you can expect to smoke chicken thighs for between four to five hours. However, this varies depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your smoker’s heat output. You’ll want a temperature range somewhere in the 220-275 degrees Fahrenheit (104 – 135 degrees Celsius) range with moderate wood smoke flavor. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, make sure the coals are hot before adding your chicken.

Different Types of Smokers Require Different Times

If you’re using a gas or electric smoker, it will require less time since they maintain heat more consistently than other smokers. You can expect to smoke thighs for around three hours in these cases. If there’s a water pan, you can expect it to take even less time.

Smoked chicken thighs are a great way to add flavor and variety to your barbecue. If you’re not sure how long to smoke them, don’t worry. In this blog post, we’ll provide the definitive guide on smoking chicken thighs for any occasion. Keep reading to learn more.

How Long to Smoke Boneless Chicken Thighs at 225?

We recommend smoking boneless thighs for at least three hours. If you have time, smoke them for up to four or five hours. You can tell they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).

Keep in mind that while the legs themselves are safe to eat after this point, the bones will still be raw.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Thighs at 250?

The time it takes to smoke chicken thighs can vary depending on how large your thighs are. The general rule is that the thicker they are, the longer it will take for them to cook and reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit at which point you should insert an instant-read thermometer into their thickest part before removing them from the heat source. In general, it should be cooked for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Thighs at 275?

Place the chicken thighs skin side up onto a cooking grate and place the temperature probe into the thickest part of each piece, close lid or cover with foil so the meat does not overcook from exposure during the smoking process for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours until the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

While waiting, cook coleslaw in a pan over medium heat. Then mix together BBQ sauce before drizzling over cooked vegetables just after 10 minutes have passed since last flipping them over to another side.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Thighs in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker?

In general, you can expect to smoke thighs in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker for between four to five hours. However, this varies depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your smoker’s heat output.

You’ll want a temperature range somewhere in the 220-275 degrees Fahrenheit (104 – 135 degrees Celsius) range with moderate wood smoke flavor.

Do You Flip Chicken Thighs When Smoking?

Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the smoker. Smoke them for about 2 to 2-1/2 hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. After 1 hour, flip the chicken over to the other side and continue cooking for another 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until their internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (this will take a little more time depending on how big your chicken thighs are).

Tips for Smoking Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for even more tips on how long to smoke chicken thighs, make sure to keep the following in mind:

  • Leaner cuts of meat may cook faster than fattier cuts. This is why skinless thigh fillets tend to take less time than thighs with bone and skin. If your chicken pieces are especially lean, check on them after about three hours of smoking.
  • If you’re not sure how long they need, use a meat thermometer. Just make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) before removing your chicken from the smoker.
  • Oil the chicken pieces before adding them to your smoker. This will ensure that they don’t stick and come off easily when you’re checking on them.
  • To add more flavor, try smoking thighs with different types of wood such as hickory or mesquite. You can also experiment by adding spices like chili powder, garlic salt, or salt and pepper.

Smokey Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients

  • Smoked chicken thighs (skin on or off) – enough to cover the grate of your smoker. We recommend using boneless skinless thighs, but bone in are fine too. Be sure that they’re at least an inch thick though since this will help keep them from drying out.
  • Your choice of rub. You can use a commercial blend or make your own with spices you have lying around the house. Make sure to apply it at least 30 minutes before smoking to get the best flavor possible.
  • Aluminum foil  (optional) – this will keep them from drying out if you don’t mind sacrificing some smoke flavor.
  • Wood chips (optional) – these will help add a smoky flavor to your smoked chicken thighs, but they’re not necessary for this recipe.

Instructions

  • Prepare your smoker for indirect heat. If you’re using a gas or electric smoker, keep the temperature between 220 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit (104 – 135 degrees Celsius) with moderate smoke flavor. If it’s charcoal , make sure to have hot coals just before adding the chicken thighs.
  • Apply rub generously at least 30 minutes before smoking.
  • Place the chicken thighs on the grate at least one inch apart.
  • Smoke for between four and five hours or until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). If you used skinless thighs, this will take closer to three hours. For bone in chicken thighs with skin, plan for a little longer – closer to four hours.
  • Optionally, wrap the thighs in aluminum foil after an hour. The increased surface area will make them more tender and juicy. If you do this, remove it for the last 30 minutes of smoking time so they don’t overcook.
  • Remove from smoker when ready and serve with your favorite sides. They’re great with pasta, baked potatoes or grilled vegetables.
  • Enjoy!

Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ve provided the definitive guide on smoking chicken thighs for any occasion. Unlike other cuts of chicken, smoking thighs can take longer than you might expect. This is because the membrane around each piece has to break down first before they become tender and delicious.

It’s best not to rush it though since this process will ensure that your smoker chicken thighs are perfectly done.

Bobby Johnson

When he's not writing about barbecue, you can find Bobby smoking meat for friends and family. He's been a backyard pitmaster for roughly half his life, and has worked with nearly every cut of meat. Not everyone has a hands-on guide to teach them BBQ, but that's what Bobby hopes to do with Electric Smoker HQ. He wants to help people create amazing food that they can be proud of.