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Best Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Name: Best Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 8 pieces; olive oil 2 tbsp; kosher salt 1 tbsp; black pepper 1 tsp; smoked paprika 2 tsp; garlic powder 1 tsp; onion powder 1 tsp

Smoky, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin are a high protein, keto-friendly barbecue favorite. This flavorful chicken dish is a family-approved option for healthy, satisfying meals.

Cook 90 min Difficulty EASY 290 kcal

#keto #high protein

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 8 pieces
olive oil 2 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 1 tbsp
black pepper 1 tsp
smoked paprika 2 tsp
garlic powder 1 tsp
onion powder 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 2 g 3%

Protein 26 g 36%

Fat 19 g 59%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp during smoking.
2

Rub olive oil over each thigh, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides; press to adhere.
3

Preheat smoker to 225°F and add your choice of wood chips (apple or hickory recommended).
4

Place chicken thighs skin-side up on the smoker rack and cook for 90 minutes, maintaining steady heat and smoke.
5

Increase temperature to 375°F for the last 20 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, checking internal temperature for at least 165°F before removing.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The star ingredient is bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Their higher fat content and skin help lock in juiciness and deliver a crispy exterior after smoking. Olive oil and smoked paprika further enhance the smoky, savory flavor.

Q. How do I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly in a smoker?

Maintain a steady 225°F for slow smoking, then finish at 375°F for crisp skin. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for at least 165°F without overcooking. This ensures juicy, tender chicken every time.

Q. What's the best way to get crispy skin on smoked chicken thighs?

Patting the thighs dry before seasoning and finishing at higher heat for the last 20 minutes is key. This technique renders fat from the skin, yielding a golden, crispy finish without burning.

Q. How many calories and carbs does each serving contain?

Each 180g serving provides about 290 kcal and only 2g of carbohydrates, making it ideal for low carb and keto diets. The protein-to-carb ratio is high, with 26g protein and 2g carbs per serving.

Q. Is this recipe suitable for keto or high protein diets?

Absolutely! With 59% of calories from fat and 36% from protein, plus only 2g carbs per serving, this smoked chicken thigh recipe is both keto and high protein friendly.

Best Easy Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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