Description
Juicy, smoky, and tender pellet grill chicken breast made easy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Wood pellets (hickory or applewood recommended)
Instructions
1. Preheat pellet grill to 400°F for grilling or 250°F for smoking. Let it heat for 10–15 minutes.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help seasoning stick.
3. Rub chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with spice mix.
4. Grill at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. If smoking at 250°F, cook for 50–60 minutes, then sear for 2–3 minutes for crispy edges.
6. Remove chicken, rest 5–7 minutes under foil to lock in juices.
7. Slice against the grain and serve hot.
Notes
Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Brining chicken for 2–4 hours helps keep it moist.
Resting before slicing prevents juices from escaping.
Try applewood pellets for a sweeter smoke flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pellet Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg