Smoked Chicken Thighs Flavorful Crisp (Printer-Friendly Layout)
Juicy chicken thighs with smoky flavor and crisp skin, marinated with a herb and spice blend.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Main
01 -
4 pounds chicken thighs
→ Seasoning Mixture
02 -
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 -
2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 -
2 teaspoons salt
05 -
1 teaspoon ground sage
06 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
08 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1 teaspoon paprika
10 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, salt, sage, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl until fully combined.
02 -
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Coat all surfaces evenly with the butter mixture. Refrigerate and marinate overnight.
03 -
Set smoker temperature to 225°F. Optionally, place a pan of water inside the smoker to maintain moisture during cooking.
04 -
Gently lift chicken skin and spread two-thirds of the reserved butter mixture underneath. Spread the remaining mixture on top of the skin.
05 -
Place chicken thighs skin side up directly on grill grates. Optionally, place a drip pan below to catch drippings for sauce.
06 -
When internal temperature reaches 145°F, increase grill heat to 375°F to crisp skin. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
07 -
Transfer chicken to cutting board and let rest for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
# Extra Tips and Tricks:
01 -
Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.
02 -
Using a water pan in the smoker helps maintain moisture, especially during longer cooking times.