How to Make Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast Juicy and Tender (Perfect Every Time)

Smoking chicken breast on a Traeger grill is one of the best ways to achieve tender, flavorful, and juicy poultry at home. With proper temperature control, seasoning, and moisture techniques, you can transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering BBQ masterpiece.

This complete guide will show you how to smoke chicken breasts on a Traeger smoker while keeping them perfectly moist and packed with smoky flavor.

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Why Use a Traeger Smoker for Chicken Breast?

Traeger pellet grills offer:

✔ Precise temperature control
✔ Consistent smoky flavor
✔ Easy cooking for beginners
✔ Restaurant-quality results

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

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Understanding Your Traeger Smoker

Key Features for Best Results:

• Digital temperature control for steady heat

• Smoke settings for deeper flavor

• Wide range cooking (165°F – 450°F)

Best Wood Pellets for Chicken:

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Essential Tools and Ingredients

Equipment:

• Digital meat thermometer

• Brining container

• Basting brush

• Foil & tongs

Ingredients:

• Fresh chicken breasts

• Kosher salt & spices

• Herbs (thyme, rosemary)

• High-quality wood pellets

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How to Prepare Chicken Breasts for Smoking

1. Choose even-sized fresh chicken breasts

2. Trim excess fat

3. Pat completely dry

4. Let rest 15 minutes before seasoning

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Best Brining Method for Juicy Chicken

Simple Brine:

• 4 cups water

• ¼ cup kosher salt

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 bay leaves

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp peppercorns

🕒 Brine 2–6 hours depending on size.

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Ultimate Dry Rub for Smoked Chicken Breast

Mix:

• 2 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp cayenne

Rest chicken 30 minutes after seasoning.

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Traeger Smoking Temperature & Time

🔥 Smoker temperature: 225°F (107°C)
⏱ Cooking time: 60–105 minutes
🌡 Internal temperature: 165°F (74°C)

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Step-by-Step Smoking Process

1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F

2. Add apple or cherry pellets

3. Place chicken with spacing

4. Smoke until internal temp hits 165°F

5. Remove and rest 10–15 minutes

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How to Keep Chicken Moist While Smoking

✔ Brine before cooking
✔ Use water pan
✔ Spritz with broth or apple juice every 45 min
✔ Avoid opening lid too often

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How to Serve Smoked Chicken Breast

Best with:

• Grilled vegetables

• Coleslaw

• Corn on the cob

• Fresh salad

• Roasted potatoes

Slice against the grain for extra tenderness.

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Common Smoking Problems (Quick Fixes)

❌ Dry chicken → Lower temp + brine
❌ Bitter smoke → Less pellets
❌ Uneven cooking → Space breasts properly

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Final Thoughts

Making juicy Traeger smoked chicken breast is easy when you control heat, prep properly, and manage moisture. With this method, you’ll get tender, smoky chicken every time — perfect for healthy meals or backyard BBQ.