Smoky Lemon-Infused Chicken Breast
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat9gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) - choose plump and fresh from the meat counter for best juiciness2 piece
- Fresh lemon - look for firm, bright yellow lemons without soft spots1 piece
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- Salt - fine sea salt preferred for even seasoning1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground if possible0.5 tsp
- Smoked paprika - adds smoky flavor without extra smoke1 tsp
- Garlic powder - for subtle garlic notes0.5 tsp
- Wood chips for smoking (such as apple or cherry wood) - soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use1 cup
This smoked chicken breast recipe with lemon is a simple, delicious way to enjoy smoky, juicy poultry infused with bright citrus flavor. Perfect for home cooks with basic tools, this recipe walks you through the smoking process using common ingredients and kitchen items. The total approximate cost of the ingredients is around $12 USD (10€ / £9 / ₹900). Each serving contains roughly 320 kcal. This recipe fits well into a balanced diet. The preparation and cooking time combined is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. It is easy to medium in complexity, great for beginners looking to explore smoking techniques safely.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Chicken
1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even cooking.
Make the Lemon Marinade
2Zest the lemon and then juice it. In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Marinate the Chicken
3Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they’re fully coated. Marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. Do not exceed 2 hours to keep the texture firm.
Prepare the Smoker or Grill
4If using a charcoal or gas grill, set it up for indirect cooking at 110-120°C (225-250°F). Add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly on coals to create smoke.
Smoke the Chicken
5Place the chicken breasts on the grill or smoker grate away from direct heat. Close the lid and maintain the temperature at 110-120°C (225-250°F). Smoke the chicken for approximately 45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
Check Doneness Safely
6Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to check. If it’s not yet reached, continue smoking and check every 5 minutes.
Rest and Serve
7Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. Serve with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked chicken.
2If you do not have a smoker, you can use a grill with a smoker box or foil pouch filled with soaked wood chips.
3Brining the chicken beforehand can add extra moisture; if you try this, reduce added salt in the marinade.
4For a smoky flavor without equipment, smoked paprika helps to add depth.
5Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken to reduce risk of foodborne illness.
Equipment
- Grill or smoker
- Meat thermometer
- Bowl for marinade
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Zester or grater
- Knife and cutting board
Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken breasts (2 pieces) - approx. $6. Choose fresh, firm chicken with no odd smell.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (1 piece) - approx. $0.50. Pick lemons with smooth, bright yellow skin.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle) - approx. $4. Opt for extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Salt (fine sea salt) - approx. $1. Buy small jar if you don’t have any.
- [ ] Black pepper (ground or whole) - approx. $1. Freshly ground is best.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) - approx. $2. Adds smoky flavor without special equipment.
- [ ] Garlic powder - approx. $1. Common spice; optional if preferred.
- [ ] Wood chips (apple or cherry) - approx. $3 for a bag. Soak before cooking.
Total approx. cost: $12
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking; if using frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating.
What if I don't have a smoker?
You can use a charcoal or gas grill set for indirect cooking with a smoker box or foil pouch of soaked wood chips to create smoke.
How do I know when the chicken is safe to eat?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to be safe; use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I substitute lemon with lime?
Yes, lime can be used instead of lemon for a different but equally delicious citrus flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating overnight is possible but may make the chicken texture mushy due to the acid in lemon juice; 15-30 minutes is ideal.