Smoked chicken thighs are one of the easiest ways to get that rich, smoky flavor without a lot of effort or expensive ingredients. If you are looking for a simple, budget friendly meal that still tastes like something you would get from a barbecue spot, this recipe is a great place to start. Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and forgiving, which makes them perfect for smoking, even if you are newer to it.
I have made these multiple times, and they always turn out tender on the inside with perfectly seasoned skin on the outside. You do not need a complicated marinade or a long prep time. A simple seasoning blend and steady heat is all it takes. This is also a great recipe to pair with easy sides like rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad, making it a go to option for both weeknights and weekends.
The end result is a dish that is both spicy and savory, with a depth of flavor that is sure to impress. Spicy smoked chicken thighs can be served on their own as a main dish, or paired with sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and flavorful food.
Do you like smoker recipes? Try out Smoked Chicken Tenders, Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork, Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos, Smoked Whole Chicken, or Smoked Almonds.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Budget friendly cut of meat that stays juicy
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect smoky flavor without complicated steps
- Great for meal prep or leftovers
- Works with most smokers or pellet grills
- Pairs well with a variety of sides
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Thighs - With The Skin On
- Olive Oil - Use a good organic olive oil blend. I really like The Simply Nature brand from Aldi. It's cheap and easily affordable.
- Cayenne Pepper - This seasoning is added for some spice and heat. Use less cayenne if you don't like it super spicy.
- Paprika - Paprika is known for adding a mild and fruity flavor. Can sub smoked paprika for an extra smoked layer.
- Chili Powder - Is a blend of mixed red chilis that have been dried up and pulverized until it resembles powder. Sometimes other spices like cumin and paprika.
- Garlic Powder is made from dehydrated garlic cloves and like the chili powder above it gets pulverized into a powder or flour consistency.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitution Tips
- Use boneless skinless thighs for faster cooking and fewer WW points.
- Want less fat? Go with chicken breasts and adjust time accordingly.
- Swap with spray oil to reduce points or calories.
- Lower heat by cutting cayenne in half or skipping the hot sauce.
- Try Cajun seasoning, jerk spice, or a sugar-free BBQ rub.
- Boost flavor with a sprinkle of brown sugar or a squeeze of lime.
- Try these Smoked Chicken Tenders if you want something quicker than thighs!
Note: To help balance the spiciness out add some brown sugar to the seasoning mix.
How to Make Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs
Set your smoker to 225 degrees.
Step 1: Mix all dry rub seasoning ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2: Sprinkle the mixed seasonings all over the chicken thighs to ensure they are fully coated with rub. Rub olive oil to fully coat the chicken thighs.
Step 3: Lay your chicken thighs on the smoker rack and add smoker wood chips at the same time you add the meat. Apple, pecan, or cherry wood is ideal for this recipe. Smoke the chicken thighs for 2 hrs at 225 degrees.
Pro Tips for Smoked Chicken Thighs
Do not skip drying the chicken. This makes a big difference in how the skin turns out.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Chicken thighs are forgiving, but you still want to hit the right temperature.
If you like crispier skin, finishing at a higher temperature is worth it.
Try different wood chips like hickory or applewood to change the flavor profile.
Season generously. Smoking can mellow flavors, so a good coating of seasoning helps.
Storage
Store leftover smoked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to help bring back some of the texture. Microwaving works, but the skin will be softer.
You can also freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How long does it take to smoke chicken thighs?
At 225 degrees, chicken thighs usually take about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on their size.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Traeger Smoked Asparagus, Easy Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob, or coleslaw
- Chop and stuff into tacos, wraps, or grain bowls
- Pair with some microwave cauliflower rice, Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Super Crispy!, sweet potato wedges, or grilled veggies
Recipe FAQs
Chicken thighs smoked at a temperature of 225 degrees can take anywhere from an 1 hr to an hour and 30 minutes long.
The best temperature to smoke chicken thighs at is 225 degrees.
My favorite chips to smoke with are applewood. That might have something to do with applewood smoked bacon. I've tried other wood chips and applewood is always what I end up going back to.
Yes, but they may cook a bit faster and will not be quite as juicy as bone in thighs.
Smoker Recipes To Try:
If you tried this Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs - Ninja Foodi Grill
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hrs
- Total Time: 3 to 4 hrs
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This is a basic rub recipe for chicken. If you wish to add BBQ sauce on top of the thighs feel free to do that. I have made this spice rub mixture quite a few times and the amount of cayenne pepper does not make it spicy at all.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs with the skin on
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cayenne (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon of Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Light your smoker and allow it to come up to a temperature of 225 degrees.
- Mix all dry rub seasoning ingredients thoroughly.
- Rub olive oil to fully coat the chicken thighs.
- Sprinkle the mixed seasonings all over the chicken thighs to ensure they are fully coated with rub.
- Lay your chicken thighs on the smoker rack and add smoker wood chips at the same time you add the meat. Apple, pecan, or cherry wood is ideal for this recipe.
- It is recommended to ensure there is enough wood every hour. Smoke your chicken thighs for 1 - 2 hours and rotate them to ensure they cook evenly.
- Total cooking time is 3 to 4 hours total depending on a variety of factors such as size of the thighs, temperature of the grill and outside, how windy it is, and how often you open the smoker lid which will let the heat out. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 127
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 554mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
Tony says
You should always add the wood a half hour before the meat otherwise you get a creosote taste on the meat....
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Yum! I love spicy foods and these chicken thighs look perfectly cooked. So happy grilling season is here!
Jenna says
Thanks Sarah!
Josie says
Chicken thighs are so flavorful! This recipe looks amazing 🙂
Sara says
Your amazing pictures make me want to run out and buy a smoker!
Jenna says
Smokers are worth it, I'd get one! 🙂
Jenna says
Thanks for pinning!
Abigail says
These chicken thighs are calling my name! Love the spicy kick! Pinned, too.
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
Great pictures! I want to eat that right now. Wish I had a smoker or a bbq, I bet that spice rub would be delicious even if I had to bake these in the oven!
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says
Wow! Those photos look so mouthwatering! I love spicy stuff, so this is definitely very appealing for me. 🙂