How long does it take to smoke thighs on a smoker?

Using the recommended temperature range of 275-300°F the chicken should be close to finished in just over an hour.

What temp should I smoke chicken thighs?

Using a higher temperature range of 275-300°F will produce juicy chicken with a crispier skin. Low and slow temperatures are not recommended or necessary.

Do you flip chicken thighs when smoking?

Yes, at the very end when saucing and searing the skin, which is completely optional. You can cook the thighs all the way to the finish without flipping.

How to Smoke Chicken Thighs - Chiles and Smoke

Ingredients

Scale

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 tablespoon oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)
3–4 tablespoons of Signature Sweet & Smoky Rub
1 cup Smoky Sweet Heat Sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the smoker to 275-300°F. If using a charcoal grill, build an indirect fire on one side while keeping the other side cool.
Prep the chicken thighs. Remove any excess skin that could hang down and burn. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towel, and lightly brush the skin with oil. Season generously on all sides using a shaker.
Place the chicken into the grill or smoker with the skin-side up. Allow them to smoke for about an hour, or until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
Increase the heat of your smoker for searing. If using a charcoal grill, you can sear the chicken right over the coals.
Brush the skin with a layer of BBQ sauce, and then sear skin-side down over high heat for about 1-2 minutes. This won’t take long, so make sure to remove it in time and watch out for flare-ups.
Rest the smoked chicken thighs for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a slice of lime or another citrus to add some brightness to the rich meat.
Saucing and searing are optional. You can finish the chicken simply by smoking it to about 180°F.

Author: Brad Prose
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Category: Chicken & Poultry
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: Dinner

Keywords: chicken, chicken thighs, smoked chicken, smoked chicken thighs, bbq sauce, glazed chicken