Start making the chicken by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
First, mix together about 3/4 cup BBQ sauce and Italian dressing.
I used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and Imo’s brand Italian dressing, but you can use your favorite brands for both sauces.
Next, add 2 tbsp minced garlic and stir well. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs.
Let the marinated chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours before cooking it.
Smoke Chicken Thighs
Heat a smoker to 275 degrees F and place the chicken thighs directly on the smoker.
Smoke the chicken for about 2 hours or until the chicken reaches a temp of at least 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. I like to flip the chicken a couple of times while it cooks.
Once the chicken comes to temp, brush the chicken with more BBQ sauce and let it sit on the smoker for a few more minutes. This will help the chicken thighs get that sticky BBQ sauce coating!
Serve Smoked Chicken Thighs
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, it’s time to eat! I served these Sticky Smoked Chicken Thighs with some corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and an easy chopped salad kit. This makes the perfect summer meal the whole family will enjoy!
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
- I used 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- I used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Imo’s brand Italian dressing, but any of your favorite brands of these sauces should work.
- Once the chicken has temped I like brushing on a little bit more BBQ sauce and letting the chicken sit on the smoker for a few more minutes to tack up.
- The Tovolo Marinade Tray, makes marinading super easy, but any large bowl or container will also work.
- I used Bear Mountain BBQ Chef’s Choice pellets when smoking the chicken.
- For a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
Equipment
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1 Smoker
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp each salt and pepper
- 2 tsp each paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping chicken)
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
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Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Mix together about 3/4 cup each of BBQ sauce and Italian dressing. Add 2 tbsp minced garlic and stir well. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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Heat your smoker to 275 degrees F and place the chicken thighs directly on the smoker. Smoke for about 2 hours or until chicken reaches a temp of at least 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. Brush chicken with more BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy!
