If you love cooking chicken thighs, make Smoked Chicken Thighs. Seasoned to perfection and packed with smoky flavors, these chicken thighs are easy to make.

Smoked chicken thighs on a platter
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We love using our smoker to make delicious smoker recipes. The chicken thighs turn our delicious because of the simple dry rub. They make the perfect weeknight dinner.

If you have recently purchased a smoker, check out these Smoker Recipes for Beginners to start with. If you loved our Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, then you will love this smoker recipe. Add a side of Smoked Garlic for added flavor.

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Seasoning – We love making homemade seasoning blend and this one is a favorite. It packs the wings with flavor from the crispy texture to the juicy center each bite is full of flavor.
  • Fork Tender – After smoking the chicken wings, the meat will fall off the bone for a crowd pleasing meal.
  • Simple Process – In a few short steps these chicken wings turn into a delicious meal. The smoker does all the work, all you have to do is make your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme leaves, salt, pepper
  • Chicken Thighs – Make sure to choose the chicken thighs with the skin on with bone-in for the best flavor.
  • Olive Oil – Choose oil of your choice
  • Smoked Paprika – You can also use regular paprika
  • Brown Sugar – Learn How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Smoked Chicken Thighs

  • Step 1 – In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create the spice rub.
combining seasoning in a bowl
  • Step 2 – Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and brush them with olive oil on both sides. Generously season each chicken thigh with the spice rub, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Work some of the rub under the skin for extra flavor.
Adding the dry rub to the chicken thighs on a baking sheet
  • Step 3 – Place the chicken thighs in a large dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • Step 4 – Preheat the smoker to 250°F.
  • Step 5 – Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  • Step 6 – Place the chicken thighs in the smoker, skin-side up. Smoke for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Smoked chicken thighs in the smoker
  • Step 7 – Remove the chicken thighs from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve with baked beans, coleslaw or any side dish.

Expert Tips

  • Crispier Skin – If a crispier skin is desired, rest the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator. This helps to dry out the skin a bit, which helps it become crispier during smoking.
  • Seasoning – For the best flavor, make sure to thoroughly season the chicken thighs. We like to make sure to get under the skin of the chicken.
  • Room Temperature – Allow the chicken thighs to come to room temperature before smoking.
  • Meat thermometerTo ensure your chicken is fully cooked, make sure to use a meat thermometer. This allows you to check the internal temperature which should reach to 165 degrees.
Smoked chicken thighs

Serving Suggestions

These chicken thighs can be served with many different side dishes and with your favorite barbecue sauce. We love to smoke our sides when we smoke meat to make cleanup a breeze. These are some of our favorites.

We even like to use the leftovers to make chicken sandwiches, chicken salad, and even chicken quesadillas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long to Smoke Chicken Thighs

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and your smoker. We smoked the chicken for about 2 hours and they turned out perfectly.

What Type Of Wood Chips are Best?

Use the flavor that you like best. We recommend oak, cherry wood, maple or hickory. You can also use a combination of the two. The chicken thighs can also be smoked in a pellet smoker.

Can I Cook on a Charcoal Grill?

Yes, these chicken thighs can be cooked on the charcoal grill and cooked in the oven.

Do I Smoke Chicken Thighs Skin Up or Down?

Chicken thighs should be smoked with skin up for the best crispy chicken skin.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Storing – Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
  • Reheating – Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave depending on how much you have leftover.
  • Freezing – Freeze the leftovers in a freezer safe container. I like to wrap with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve.
Smoked chicken thighs stacked

More Easy Smoked Chicken Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make these Smoked Chicken Thighs, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Smoked Chicken Thighs

5 from 1 vote
If you love cooking chicken thighs, make Smoked Chicken Thighs. Seasoned to perfection and packed with smoky flavors, these chicken thighs are easy to make.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 664

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create the spice rub.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and brush them with olive oil on both sides. Generously season each chicken thigh with the spice rub, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Work some of the rub under the skin for extra flavor.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • Preheat the smoker to 250°F.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the smoker, skin-side up. Smoke for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the
  • internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

Recipe Notes

If a crispier skin is desired, rest the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator. This helps to dry out the skin a bit, which helps it become crispier during smoking.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 664kcal, Carbohydrates 6g, Protein 71g, Fat 38g, Saturated Fat 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 17g, Trans Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 234mg, Sodium 772mg, Potassium 1241mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 907IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 79mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Grill on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. From the Best Blackstone recipes, to grilling, and easy smoker recipes, together we are going to cook real food, with easy ingredients… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Kasey Harris says:

    5 stars
    Had the best flavor!