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JUICIEST Smoked Chicken Breasts EVER!

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Armadillo Pepper BBQ
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Smoked chicken breast is a staple in American barbecue culture, particularly in the southern regions where smoking meats is a cherished tradition. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with rich, smoky flavors, making it a favorite for gatherings and cookouts. Today, variations exist globally, with different types of wood and marinades used to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

  • chicken breast
  • smoke wood chips
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • paprika
  • cayenne pepper
  • brown sugar
  • mustard powder
  • dried thyme
  • dried oregano
  • cumin
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. 2Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before using.
  3. 3Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  4. 4Rub olive oil over the chicken breasts to coat evenly.
  5. 5In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, mustard powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cumin to create a spice rub.
  6. 6Generously apply the spice rub to the chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage.
  7. 7Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C).
  8. 8Place the soaked wood chips in the smoker box or directly on the coals, depending on your smoker type.
  9. 9Once the smoker reaches temperature, place the chicken breasts on the grill grates.
  10. 10Smoke the chicken breasts for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. 11Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  12. 12Serve the smoked chicken breast with your choice of sides.

Ingredient Alternatives

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a similar flavor with higher smoke point.

brown sugar

Healthier: coconut sugar

Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

smoke wood chips

Cheaper: wood pellets

Wood pellets are often more affordable and easier to use.

chicken breast

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are generally less expensive and more flavorful.

Techniques

smoking

Equipment

smokermeat thermometermixing bowlgrill tongs
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilk

Also Known As

Smoked ChickenBBQ Chicken Breast

Ingredients

  • 4 large onions
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Peel the onions and cut off the tops and bottoms. Carefully hollow out the insides of each onion, leaving about 1/2 inch of the outer layer intact.
  3. 3In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
  4. 4Stuff each hollowed onion with the beef mixture, packing it tightly.
  5. 5Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish and drizzle barbecue sauce over the top of each one.
  6. 6Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  7. 7Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the onions are tender.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
  9. 9Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Equipment

baking dishmixing bowlaluminum foilknifespoon

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
  5. 5Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
  6. 6Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the lemon juice over them.
  7. 7Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. 8Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  9. 9Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

oven-safe skilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsknifecutting board

Smoked Shotgun Shells are a popular dish in American barbecue culture, particularly in the southern United States. They are often served at gatherings, parties, and tailgating events, showcasing the creativity of home cooks and pitmasters. The dish combines the flavors of smoked meat and cheese, wrapped in pasta, making it a unique and indulgent appetizer.

Ingredients

  • pasta shells
  • cream cheese
  • shredded cheese
  • ground meat
  • seasoning
  • bacon
  • barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C).
  2. 2Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. 3In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, and ground meat with seasoning.
  4. 4Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and meat mixture.
  5. 5Wrap each stuffed shell with bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
  6. 6Place the wrapped shells in the smoker and cook for about 1 hour.
  7. 7Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  8. 8Remove from the smoker and let cool slightly before serving.
  9. 9Serve with additional barbecue sauce for dipping.

Ingredient Alternatives

cream cheese

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and higher in protein.

ground meat

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner and healthier.

bacon

Healthier: turkey bacon

Cheaper: pork bacon

Turkey bacon is lower in fat.

Techniques

smokingstuffing

Equipment

smokerpotmixing bowltoothpicks
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairygluten

Also Known As

Stuffed Shotgun ShellsSmoked Pasta Shells

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • oil for frying

Instructions

  1. 1In a bowl, mix ground beef, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. 2Peel the onion and slice it into thick rings, separating the rings from each other.
  3. 3Take a small amount of the beef mixture and press it into the center of each onion ring, covering it completely.
  4. 4In three separate bowls, set up a breading station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
  5. 5Dip each stuffed onion ring first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
  6. 6Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  7. 7Carefully place the breaded onion rings in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  8. 8Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  9. 9Remove the onion rings from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  10. 10Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

large bowlfrying pandeep fryermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsmixing spoonpaper towels

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