How Long To Smoke Boneless Chicken Thighs At 225

Chicken thighs are really forgiving, which means they are perfect for smoking. 

Smoking chicken thighs gives them a beautiful smoky flavor. Furthermore, they cook much faster than larger cuts of meat like brisket or chuck shoulder. 

However, things are a little different when it comes to smoking boneless chicken thighs. You have to know how long to smoke boneless chicken thighs at 225°F. 

Smoke boneless chicken thighs at 225°F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 

Is It Better To Smoke Boneless Chicken Thighs At 225 Or 250

Everybody has their own way of smoking boneless chicken thighs, including which temperature to smoke them at.

First, the best temperature for smoking chicken ranges between 225°F and 250°F. Second, smoking chicken thighs at each temperature has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Smoking chicken thighs at 225°F allows them to cook low and slow, resulting in a juicy cut of meat. It also minimizes the chance the chicken will overcook. 

In contrast, smoking chicken at 250°F speeds up the cooking process, so the chicken will be ready much faster. There is a small risk that the chicken could be overcooked.

However, as long as you monitor the chicken thigh’s internal temperature, they will not overcook. 

What’s The Best Wood For Smoking Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken is a delicate cut of meat. Therefore, you must carefully choose the wood you smoke the chicken thighs with.

Ultimately, the goal should be to choose a wood that compliments the chicken thighs without overpowering its natural flavor.  

Fruitwood is the number 1 choice for smoking boneless chicken thighs. Woods like apple or cherry add a subtle fruity yet smoky flavor that accentuates the chicken’s flavor. 

You can also smoke chicken thighs using maple wood. Maple wood will give the chicken thighs a mild smoky flavor. 

Use pecan or hickory wood if you want the chicken thighs to have a smokier flavor.

Pecan wood will give the chicken thighs a robust sweet, and nutty flavor, while hickory wood will provide the chicken thighs with a classic BBQ flavor.

Should I Remove The Chicken Skin From Chicken Thighs Before Smoking Them 

Some enthusiasts recommend removing the chicken skin from the chicken thighs. The chicken skin will not crisp up, so they suggest removing it before smoking the chicken.

However, some people suggest leaving the chicken skin on. The idea behind this is that the chicken skin seals in the juices. 

Nevertheless, there is a way to crisp up the chicken skin. You can reverse-sear it. 

Smoke the chicken low and slow first. Next, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil or butter until it is golden. The chicken skin will be extremely crispy, while the chicken will have a beautiful smoky flavor. 

Ultimately, whether you remove the chicken skin from the chicken thighs before smoking them is a matter of preference. 

Do You Flip Chicken Thighs On A Smoker

Whether you flip chicken thighs is also a matter of preference. Flipping the chicken thighs is unnecessary since the smoke can circulate freely around the meat. 

However, if you choose to flip chicken thighs, place the chicken thighs into the smoker skin side up. If you are using skinless chicken thighs, place the chicken thighs into the smoker with the side where the chicken skin was up. 

Flip the chicken thighs about halfway through the smoking process. 

How Do You Keep Chicken Thighs Moist When Smoking

As I mentioned above, chicken thighs are forgiving. However, there is still a chance they can overcook. You can ensure the chicken thighs stay moist by brining them. 

You can brine the chicken thighs by submerging them in a saltwater solution for 3-4 hours. However, rinse the chicken thighs under cold water if you use this technique. Rinsing the chicken will remove some of the salty flavors. 

Alternatively, you can also dry brine the chicken thighs. Rub the chicken thighs with salt, spices, and sugar and place them on a wire rack.

Place the chicken thighs into the fridge and let them brine overnight. The dry brine will pull the moisture out of the chicken thighs. Then the chicken thighs will reabsorb the liquid. 

Whether you choose to wet brine or dry brine your chicken thighs, it will give the chicken thighs excellent flavor and help them remain moist. 

How Long To Smoke Boneless Chicken Thighs At 225

How long to smoke boneless chicken thighs will depend on the density of the meat. Some chicken thighs are thicker, while others are thinner. 

Typically, it takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to smoke chicken thighs at 225°F. However, check the chicken thigh’s internal temperature every so often to prevent them from overcooking. 

How To Tell If Boneless Chicken Thighs Are Done Cooking 

Making sure the chicken thighs are fully cooked is extremely important. If the chicken is not cooked, you could get sick from eating undercooked chicken. 

So, you must be sure the chicken is cooked fully before you remove it from the smoker. 

There are multiple ways to tell if chicken thighs are finished cooking. For example, to test the chicken thighs for doneness, you can cut one using a sharp knife. 

If the chicken thigh’s juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. In contrast, if the chicken juices are not clear, the chicken needs to be cooked longer. 

However, this method is not accurate. Therefore, I recommend using a thermometer to test the doneness of chicken thighs. 

The thermometer is the most accurate way to determine if the chicken thighs are cooked. It will prevent you from overcooking or undercooking the chicken thighs. 

The chicken thighs will have a temperature of 165°F when they are fully cooked. 

Final Thoughts

Smoking chicken thighs gives them an irresistible flavor. However, if you overcook the chicken thighs, they will be dry and chewy.

In contrast, if you undercook the chicken thighs, they can make anyone who eats them sick. This is why you should smoke boneless chicken thighs at 225 for 2 1/2-3 hours.

William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.