Smoked Chicken Breast on Traeger: Cooking Time, Temperature & Juicy Results

Smoking chicken breast on a Traeger grill is one of the easiest ways to get tender, flavorful BBQ chicken at home. With the right temperature, wood pellets, and preparation, you can achieve perfectly smoked chicken every time.

This complete guide covers Traeger cooking time, ideal smoking temperature, seasoning tips, and expert techniques to keep chicken moist and delicious.

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Why Smoke Chicken Breast on a Traeger Grill?

Traeger pellet grills offer:

✔ Consistent temperature control
✔ Clean wood-fired flavor
✔ Easy smoking for beginners and pros
✔ Juicy results without drying out

Perfect for family meals, BBQ parties, and meal prep.

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Essential Equipment for Smoking Chicken on Traeger

Must-Have Tools:

• Digital meat thermometer

• Wireless temperature probe (optional)

• High-quality wood pellets

• Meat tongs & foil

Best Wood Pellets for Chicken:

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How to Prepare Chicken Breasts for Smoking

1. Choose fresh, even-sized chicken breasts

2. Trim excess fat

3. Pat dry thoroughly

4. Let sit 15 minutes before seasoning

👉 Dry chicken absorbs smoke and seasoning better.

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Best Brine for Smoked Chicken Breast (Extra Juicy)

Brine Ingredients:

• 4 cups cold water

• ¼ cup kosher salt

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 bay leaves

• 3 crushed garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp black peppercorns

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Brining Time:

• Small breasts: 2–4 hours

• Medium: 4–6 hours

• Large: 6–8 hours

Rinse and pat dry before seasoning.

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Best Dry Rub for Smoked Chicken

Mix:

• 2 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp cayenne

Rub evenly and rest 30 minutes before smoking.

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Smoked Chicken Breast Traeger Temperature & Time

🔥 Smoker setting: 225°F (107°C)
⏱ Cooking time: 1–2 hours
🌡 Internal temp: 165°F (74°C)

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Step-by-Step Smoking Process

1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F

2. Clean & oil grill grates

3. Place chicken with spacing

4. Smoke until 165°F internal temp

5. Rest before slicing

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How to Get Perfect Smoke Flavor

✔ Use fruit woods (apple/cherry)
✔ Avoid heavy smoke
✔ Smoke 1–2 hours max
✔ Keep thin blue smoke

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How to Know When Chicken Is Done

✅ Internal temperature 165°F
✅ Clear juices
✅ Firm but juicy texture

Always rest chicken 10 minutes before slicing.

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Best Side Dishes for Smoked Chicken Breast

• Grilled vegetables

• Coleslaw

• Mashed potatoes

• Fresh salad

• Corn on the cob

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Common Smoking Problems (Solved)

❌ Dry chicken → Brine longer, lower heat
❌ Weak smoke → Better pellets
❌ Overcooked → Use thermometer

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Final Thoughts

Smoking chicken breast on a Traeger is simple when you control temperature, use good wood pellets, and prep properly. With this method, you’ll get juicy, smoky chicken every time — perfect for healthy meals or BBQ feasts.