This Smoked Chicken Breast is incredibly moist and juicy, with a deep smokey flavor. It’s tender and soft on the inside with a flavor-rich crust from the Traeger Fin & Feather rub on the outside.
When you get Smoked Chicken Breast just right, it is one of the juiciest and most flavorful meats you can ever have. The problem is, not everyone gets it just right.
In order to have a truly tender and moist Traeger smoked chicken breast, you have to master the art of balancing of time, temperature, and seasoning. And in this recipe, I’ll show you just how to do that with a Traeger smoker.
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast Seasoning
Out of the 3 critical elements to get right for perfectly moist Traeger smoked chicken breast (time, temperature, seasoning), the seasoning piece is the easiest. And that’s because, in this recipe, we’ll be utilizing Traeger’s Fin & Feather dry rub – which in my opinion, is quite possibly the best poultry rub out there.
Key Elements Of This Recipe
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Try to buy organic if you can
- Traeger Fin & Feather Rub: A sweet & savory essence from paprika & garlic
- Unsalted Butter: To ensure moist and juiciness in the breast
The Ingredients for Smoked Chicken Breast
- 5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 5 tablespoons Traeger Fin & Feather Rub
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter
The Equipment Needed For Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
- Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill (or any other quality smoker)
How To Smoke Chicken Breast
Start by firing up your smoker to 200°F.
Take your chicken breasts and rub them down with a bit of olive oil.
Then liberally season them with the Traeger Fin and Feather Rub.
Afterwards, place the chicken breasts directly on the grill of your smoker. (And be sure to insert a temp probe into one of the breasts on the grill.)
Let the chicken breasts smoke until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. (That can take anywhere from 40 mins – 60 mins, depending on the temperature consistency of your smoker.)
How Long To Smoke Chicken Breast
Since we are cooking this in the smoker, we’ll always go by the internal temperature of the chicken breast for doneness, rather than cooking time. (Your cooking time will vary based on your smoker and other external factors.)
For food safety, you should always ensure that the final internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F, at the end of the cooking process.
Smoked Chicken Temperature
Once the breasts hit an internal temp of 140°F, remove from the grill, and wrap each one in aluminum foil, with a pad of butter placed on top of the breast.
Raise the temperature of your smoker to 350°F and place your foiled breasts back on the grill.
Continue smoking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. (It took an extra 20 minutes for me.)
Serving Your Smoked Chicken Breasts
Remove from the smoker, unwrap and serve alongside fresh vegetables and a nice bbq sauce, like my Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce.
How Do You Keep Chicken Breast Moist During Smoking?
Why do we smoke this chicken breast twice, at 2 different smoker temperatures? This 2 staged, low and slow smoking method ensures that the chicken breast stays as moist as possible during the cooking process.
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Equipment
- 1 Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill, (or any other quality smoker)
Ingredients
- 5 Chicken Breasts, (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 5 tablespoons Traeger Fin & Feather Rub
- 1 stick Butter, (unsalted)
Instructions
How To Smoke Chicken Breast
- Start by firing up your smoker to 200°F.
- Take your chicken breasts and rub them down with a bit of olive oil.
- Then liberally season them with the Traeger Fin and Feather Rub.
- Afterwards, place the chicken breasts directly on the grill of your smoker. (And be sure to insert a temp probe into one of the breasts on the grill.)
- Let the chicken breasts smoke until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. (That can take anywhere from 40 mins – 60 mins, depending on the temperature consistency of your smoker.)
Smoked Chicken Temperature
- Once the breasts hit an internal temp of 140°F, remove from the grill, and wrap each one in aluminum foil, with a pad of butter placed on top of the breast.
- Raise the temperature of your smoker to 350°F and place your foiled breasts back on the grill.
- Continue smoking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. (It took an extra 20 minutes for me.)
Serving Your Smoked Chicken Breasts
- Remove from the smoker, unwrap and serve alongside fresh vegetables and a nice bbq sauce, like my Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce.
Notes
- Since we are cooking this in the smoker, we’ll always go by the internal temperature of the chicken breast for doneness, rather than cooking time. (Your cooking time will vary based on your smoker and other external factors.)
- For food safety, you should always ensure that the final internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F, at the end of the cooking process.
- Why do we smoke this chicken breast twice, at 2 different smoker temperatures? This 2 staged, low and slow smoking method ensures that the chicken breast stays as moist as possible during the cooking process.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is just an estimate derived by an online calculation tool.
FAQ
At what temperature do you smoke chicken breast?
You smoke initially at 200°F until you reach an internal temperature of 140°F and then wrap the breasts in foil (with a pad of butter) and finish smoking at 350°F, until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F.
How long do you smoke chicken breast?
Since we are cooking this in the smoker, we’ll always go by the internal temperature of the chicken breast for doneness, rather than cooking time. (Your cooking time will vary based on your smoker and other external factors.)
For food safety, you should always ensure that the final internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F, at the end of the cooking process.
How do you keep chicken breast moist during smoking?
Smoke the chicken breast in 2 phases: first at 200°F until you reach an internal temperature of 140°F – and then wrap the breasts in foil (with a pad of butter) and finish smoking at 350°F, until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F.
This 2 staged, low and slow smoking method ensures that the chicken breast stays as moist as possible during the cooking process.
Bernice Hill
That chicken looks absolutely incredible! I can’t wait to get our smoker out to the back yard again… the snow is almost gone! I’d love to do a whole batch of these as meal prep for so many delicious options!
Umamiology
Glad you like it! I also make a large batch of these when I can for meal prep purposes!
Vicky
I’m sending this to my husband to try, it looks amazing!! I haven’t heard of that specific rub before, but will search it out!
Umamiology
Traeger Fin & Feather rub is the best!
Kathryn
We love this smoked chicken! It’s perfectly moist and full of flavor. I love the leftovers too on salads! Thanks for the recipe!
Umamiology
Yes – it’s a great protein for salads!
Noelle
You are so talented!! This perfectly moist smoked chicken breast recipe is incredible! The step by step photos and tips are super helpful. Thanks for the recipe!
Umamiology
Thank you so much! Glad it helped!
Jacqueline Debono
This chicken breast looks incredible. I’ve added it to my Traeger grill recipe list. I’m hoping my hubby has taken my hints seriously and will be giving me a Traeger for my birthday next month!!
Umamiology
Traeger grills are the best!
Molly Kumar
Such a juicy and delicious dish. Love that you smoked it twice for a juicy center.
Umamiology
Glad you like the recipe!
Loreto and Nicoletta
One of the things that is of utmost importance is getting that chicken perfectly cooked. You have definitely hit the mark on all counts: Moist, tender, lovely crust and soft interior. I am curious about this rub, and boy can I smell the aroma of that smoke. Making my mouth water here! Great post and recipe! ❤️ 👍
Umamiology
Thank you! Yes, smoking is definitely an art & science!
Hayley Dhanecha
This is a wonderful and great tasting chicken breast. It had the perfect flavor and texture.
Umamiology
Glad you liked it!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
The chicken looks awesome moist and so delicious! Love the seasoning blend and it makes a big difference in the flavor. Warm weather is on the way and can’t wait to make this.
Umamiology
Yes, this recipe is perfect for the summer!
Ieva
Oh, I love fin & feather rub! Thanks for the recipe and great instructions – it turned out super moist and delicious!
Umamiology
I love this Traeger rub too!
Dannii
This chicken was perfectly cooked and the flavours where amazing.
Umamiology
So glad it turned out well for you!
Julia
My favorite recipe for smoked chicken! Chicken is always tender and soft on the inside! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe!
Umamiology
Glad it came out so soft and tender!
Dina and Bruce
Thank you for this step by step recipe…it was so tasty!
Umamiology
Thanks for trying the recipe!
Tayler
I used this recipe to make chicken last night and it was incredible! So moist and delicious!
Umamiology
Glad it came out moist!
Alexandra
I had never tried to smoke a chicken breast before, but came across your post and couldn’t wait to give it a try. It came out perfectly – juicy, tender chicken with a great flavour. I look forward to trying more of your recipes!
Umamiology
So glad it came out juicy and moist for you!
Nora
This chicken breast turned out perfectly! So moist and juicy! Simply divine! Thanks for the great recipe!
Umamiology
Yes, I love a moist and juicy chicken breast!
Nicole NK
This rub looks amazing! Wrapping the chicken breast in foil with butter just takes it up a notch. Perfect 😋
Umamiology
Yes – I love wrapping in butter, it makes it especially moist!
Stephanie
All the recipes on this site are delicious and this smoked chicken breast is no exception. Moist, tender and tasty! Thank you for the detailed instructions – ensures the perfect chicken dish.
Umamiology
So glad you like this recipe and the site!
Juyali - A Latin Flair
Looks amazing and incredibly easy!
Umamiology
Thanks!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Delicious smoky flavor. And really is wonderfully moist
Umamiology
Glad you love the smokiness!
Judy
Was wondering if you’ve ever tried smoking one day and finishing the foil wrap in the oven the next day?
Umamiology
Yes, you can definitely do that – after the first day, most of the smokey flavor should already be infused!
Nathan
This looks like such a fantastic way to prepare chicken, I love that it takes on all that flavor but stays juicy and tender! Can’t wait to try this, thanks for the recipe!
Umamiology
Yes the Traeger rub here is the best!
Jacqueline
Thanks for the great idea. I will have a look at that rub.
Umamiology
Yes – the Traeger rub is great!
Mahy
So yummy and juicy! Just the way I like my chicken to be. Can’t wait to try yours!
Umamiology
Hope you like it!
Ned
This is literally what dreams are made of! I really worry about cooking chicken and it being dry. This was full on baller and totally juicy! Thank you!
Umamiology
Glad you enjoyed it!
Paula
This chicken was so perfectly cooked and juicy! The flavoring was spectacular too!
Umamiology
Glad you enjoyed it!
Heather
Absolutely delicious smoked chicken, I’m always on the lookout for Traeger recipes and this fits the bill. Moist, flavorful and so easy to make! Thank you!
Umamiology
I love Traeger recipes too!
Sisley
It was perfectly moist and delicious.
Umamiology
Glad it was moist!
Andrea
I am loving how delicious this smoked chicken looks. I can’t wait to make it for my family.
Umamiology
Nothing beats a smoked chicken!
Donalyn
We just got our smoker out for the first time this year and decided to try your recipe to get the season started. This chicken is delicious and moist and the leftovers made great sandwiches the next day. Thanks!
Umamiology
So glad you guys tried the recipe!
kushi
Moist and delicious chicken breast recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Umamiology
Glad you like it!
Jackie
I made these last night for dinner and literally could not stop eating the chicken, it was so good!!! I barely touched the sides on my plate. Needs like a 100 stars!!
Umamiology
I love this Traeger smoked chicken too!
Amy Liu Dong
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Ann
This is such a versatile recipe. You could even add it to a salad. Thank you!
Erik
Spot on for moistness. This flavor is seriously so good!
Gianne
The chicken was incredibly tender and bursting with smoky flavor, making each bite a true pleasure. This recipe is definitely a keeper and has quickly become a favorite in our household!
Sara Welch
Enjoyed this for dinner tonight and it was a savory success! Turned out tender, juicy and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Megane
This was everything you promised and more! Moist and the run was amazeballs.
Krystle
Smoking chicken is such a game changer. SO juicy and full of flavor.
Marta
I’m usually not a fan of chicken breast, but this smoked version was really divine. Your instructions made the recipe easy to follow, too!
veenaazmanov
Wish this Traeger Fin and Feather Rub would be easily available in my Super market. This moist and juicy smoked chicken looks so tempting and yummy. Perfect party option.
Tammy
My mouth is watering! Absolutely delicious…you have the best recipes for the smoker.
Jacqueline Debono
I love this smoked chicken breast. It’s really tasty and doesn’t take very long to make!
Julie
I wanted to try making smoked chicken for dinner and came across this recipe. I followed it exactly and it came out perfectly. SO tasty for the family dinner.
Harriet Young
I had never tried smoking my own chicken before but this recipe was so clear and it turned out perfectly!
Gianne
The chicken turned out incredibly juicy and flavorful, with just the right hint of smokiness that made each bite irresistible. This recipe is now a go-to for any occasion, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal every time.
Padma
The flavors sound incredible. Have shared this with a friend who I know will love it!
kushi
WOW! This moist chicken breast looks amazingly delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Angela
Love this chicken recipe! So delicious and easy to make. Perfect for the summer!!
Lauren
Wow – this chicken came out better than any we’ve smoked before. It’s usually a bot dry so I was looking for a recipe for juicy chicken and definitely found it – thanks!
Noel
This is the only way my kids will eat chicken breast. It turns out so moist, flavorful, and tender every time I make this – and I’ve made this several times now. You can’t go wrong with this recipe. Follow the recipe, there’s lots of helpful tips. Highly recommend everyone make this!
Veronika
The chicken was tender and juicy and the rub was sooo delicious and flavorful! We finally pulled out our smoker for the summer and I’m glad we did, this recipe is gonna become a staple!
Hayley Dhanecha
I gave this recipe a try and I can confirm it is indeed perfectly moist! It’s going to become a regular for sure.
Cathleen
I was looking for.a good recipe to make for the 4th of july, and I think that this is the one! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Justine
This was not only super easy it was absolutely DELICIOUS. It came out so tender and juicy!
Anjali
This turned out so well!! The chicken was so moist and tender, and the Traeger Rub was so flavorful!
Gianne
The chicken was incredibly juicy and tender, with a delightful smoky flavor that truly elevated the dish. I can’t wait to make it again for future gatherings!
Dina and Bruce
This turned out so good! The whole family loved it!
Harriet Young
Delicious, easy to make and wonderfully moist. I had it on top of garlic tagliatelle and it was AMAZING
kushi
So tender and juicy chicken. Thanks for sharing.
Adri
Wow! That pad of butter is a game-changer. These are the best smoked chicken breasts I have ever tasted, let alone made! Thank you so much for sharing, I’ll be making these all summer!
Jarod
Came out perfectly moist man
Arvin
This chicken looks so moist, gotta break out the smoker tomorrow
Jose
That butter really does the trick
Claire
My husband made this last summer for our family and a meal train. The chicken received rave reviews from everyone and we’ve been waiting all winter to have it again! We’re having company over tonight and can’t wait to impress them with this one!