Traeger smoked chicken breasts are juicy, tender smoked chicken with a mesmerizing aroma. The smoky flavors infused through the chicken make this a grilling masterpiece.
Place all ingredients except the chicken breasts into a gallon sized Ziploc bag. Seal and shake to combine.
½ cup water, ⅔ cup red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Open the Ziplock bag and add the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reseal the bag and set in a bowl in the refrigerator for 4 hours, or overnight.
Preheat your Traeger grill to 225℉. Be sure to oil the grill grates so the chicken doesn't stick.
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the Traeger grill and smoke the chicken breasts for 2-2 ½ hours, covered, flipping once. Check to ensure each chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ with an instant read thermometer probe. PRO TIP: If you don't have a Traeger grill, you can smoke the chicken breasts in a smoker or on a grill over indirect heat.
4 chicken breasts
Transfer to a serving platter and let rest 5 minutes to let juices redistribute. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Pat Them Dry: Before applying any rub, thoroughly pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better bark and allows the smoke to adhere more effectively.
Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Give the chicken breasts enough space on the grill grates. Good airflow ensures even cooking and consistent smoke penetration.
Use a Leave-In Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken and avoid dry breasts, use a leave-in meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Consider a Brine: For extra juicy and tender results, consider brining your chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before smoking.
Rest is Best: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist piece of chicken.