Enjoy this foolproof way to make smoked BBQ chicken! You will love how easy it is to do and how delicious it tastes. This is the perfect recipe for all summer—it’s a crowd favorite, too! The chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned with a sweet BBQ dry rub and then smoked until tender and flavorful. Make it with me!

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Everyone loves these smoked BBQ chicken thighs! They’re smoked at 220 degrees, smoke level 5, for however long it takes to reach an internal temperature of 165.

When the chicken is about done, I slather it with BBQ sauce and crank the heat to 300 degrees until the sauce is caramelized and the chicken is nicely charred.

This method results in flavorful BBQ chicken every time!

Here’s What You’ll Need to Make Smoked BBQ Chicken

• 1-2 pounds chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 2 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 Tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

The full printable recipe and instructions are in the recipe card below. Keep scrolling. Enjoy!

How to Make Smoked BBQ Chicken

1. Preheat the smoker to 220 degrees F.
2. Mix the dry rub ingredients with all the seasonings above in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the dry rub. 
3. Place the chicken on the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for about 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145-150 degrees F. A thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken doesn’t overcook and dry out.
4. Turn the heat up to 300 degrees F. Generously baste both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Cook until nicely charred, and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
5. Remove the chicken and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. The carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature to 165 degrees F.
6. Serve chicken with more BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy!

The full printable recipe and instructions are in the recipe card below. Keep scrolling. Enjoy!

BBQ Sauce

To keep this recipe easy, I used my favorite store-bought sauce. I love using Stubbs BBQ sauce. I buy mine locally at Smith’s.

However, you can make a homemade sauce if you choose. I have a delicious homemade barbecue sauce recipe that I love to use! You can find it here.

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