Smoked chicken is one of those dishes that combines bold flavor with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, making it an absolute favorite for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or even weeknight meals when you want something special. The slow-smoking process infuses the meat with rich, smoky notes while keeping it juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is worth savoring.
In this collection of 9 irresistible smoked chicken recipes, you’ll find everything from classic whole smoked chicken to flavorful smoked wings, thighs, and even creative twists like smoked chicken tacos or pasta dishes. Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, a spicy dry rub, or a savory herb marinade, there’s a recipe here to match every craving.
What makes smoked chicken truly irresistible is its versatility. You can serve it as the star of the meal with simple sides like coleslaw and cornbread, shred it for sandwiches or wraps, or use it to elevate salads and grain bowls. Each recipe brings out a different layer of flavor, so you’ll never get bored of this BBQ favorite.
If you’re new to smoking, don’t worry—these recipes are beginner-friendly and will guide you through everything from prepping the chicken to controlling the smoker temperature. And if you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll discover new flavor combinations that will keep your guests coming back for seconds.
Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar says drumsticks are the perfect candidate for smoking, as they absorb the flavor nicely and don’t dry out.
Cherry Wood-Smoked Chicken Breast Quesadillas with Pico de Gallo
“Whether you use this chicken as a main or in a quesadilla, you will love the flavor that the cherry wood imparts,” according to recipe creator
Ed’s Tarragon Smoked Chicken
You need just three ingredients for this exceptionally easy smoked meat recipe: a whole chicken, fresh tarragon, and butter.
Smoked Pulled Chicken
Chicken is marinated overnight in a creamy mixture of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, salt, paprika, and cumin. Then, it’s smoked over cherry wood chips until moist and flavorful. Serve shredded on buns for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are cooked in the oven before quickly smoking, so you can have deliciously smoked wings without the wait.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Red pepper flakes give these thighs a bit of heat, while paprika adds to the naturally smoky flavor. If you like things spicy, you can add more flakes to taste.
