Smoking chicken is one of the best ways to infuse it with rich, aromatic flavours that elevate its taste. However, the type of wood chips you use can make or break your smoked chicken. The right wood chips enhance the natural flavour of the chicken, while the wrong ones can overpower or add unwanted bitterness.
So, which wood chips are best for smoking chicken? The answer depends on the flavour profile you want. Fruity woods like apple and cherry bring a mild sweetness, while stronger woods like hickory and mesquite add a bolder taste. In this guide, we’ll explore the best wood chips for smoking chicken, discuss expert recommendations, and provide pro tips for achieving juicy, flavourful results. When you would like to try something different, try our guide to the best wood chips for smoking salmon as well.
Table of Contents
Why Wood Chips Matter for Smoking Chicken
The choice of wood chips is crucial because smoke is an essential ingredient in the smoking process. Unlike grilling or roasting, smoking allows the wood’s aromatic compounds to slowly infuse into the meat. Here’s why the right wood chips matter:
Flavour Enhancement
Chicken has a naturally mild taste, making it an excellent canvas for smoky flavours. Wood chips add depth, ranging from subtle sweetness to robust smokiness.
Smoke Level Control
Different woods produce different intensities of smoke. Light woods (e.g., apple, cherry) create a delicate flavour, while stronger woods (e.g., hickory, oak) can add a more pronounced smokiness.
Chip Size and Type
Wood chips come in various forms—small chips, larger chunks, and even pellets. Smaller chips burn faster, while chunks provide a longer, more controlled burn. Soaking the chips before smoking can also impact how they burn, although some experts argue against soaking for certain setups.
Best Wood Chips for Smoking Chicken
When choosing the best wood chips for smoking chicken, it’s essential to consider the balance of flavour and smoke intensity. Here are the top options:
Apple Wood Chips
Applewood is a favourite for smoking chicken due to its mild, sweet flavour. It enhances the natural taste of poultry without overpowering it, making it perfect for beginners and those who prefer a subtle smokiness.
- Flavour Profile: Sweet, mild, fruity
- Best For: Whole smoked chicken, chicken wings
Cherry Wood Chips
Cherry wood adds a slightly stronger, slightly tart sweetness compared to apple. It also gives the chicken a beautiful reddish hue, making it a visually appealing choice.
- Flavour Profile: Fruity, mildly sweet, rich
- Best For: Chicken thighs, drumsticks, smoked chicken sandwiches
Hickory Wood Chips
Hickory is a stronger wood that produces a deep, smoky flavour. It’s best used in moderation, as too much can result in a bitter taste.
- Flavour Profile: Strong, smoky, slightly sweet
- Best For: Chicken breasts, BBQ-style smoked chicken
Pecan Wood Chips
Pecan offers a nutty, sweet flavour that’s less intense than hickory but still rich enough to make an impact. It’s an excellent option if you want a well-rounded smoky taste.
- Flavour Profile: Nutty, mildly sweet
- Best For: Smoked chicken with honey or maple glazes
Maple Wood Chips
Maple provides a delicate sweetness that pairs wonderfully with chicken. It’s a great choice for those who want a touch of smokiness without overwhelming the meat.
- Flavour Profile: Lightly sweet, mild
- Best For: Chicken wings, smoked chicken salads
Here’s a handy table with all types of wood chips and their flavour profile.
| Wood Type | Flavour Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Sweet, mild, fruity | Whole chicken, wings |
| Cherry | Fruity, mildly tart | Thighs, drumsticks |
| Hickory | Strong, smoky, slightly sweet | Chicken breasts, BBQ |
| Pecan | Nutty, mildly sweet | Glazed chicken |
| Maple | Lightly sweet, mild | Wings, salads |
Best Temperatures for Smoking Chicken Parts
- Chicken Wings: 107°C – 121°C for about 1.5 – 2 hours until an internal temperature of 74°C is reached.
- Chicken Breasts: 107°C – 121°C for 1.5 – 2.5 hours, ensuring an internal temp of 74°C.
- Chicken Thighs: 107°C – 135°C for 2 – 3 hours, aiming for an internal temp of 80°C for tenderness.
- Chicken Legs: 107°C – 135°C for 2.5 – 3 hours, ensuring a final temp of 80°C.
Top Wood Chips for Smoked Chicken: Expert Picks
Some brands produce premium-quality wood chips that deliver consistent flavour and performance. Here are expert-recommended options:
Weber Wood Chips
A trusted name in BBQ, Weber offers high-quality apple, cherry, and hickory wood chips. You’ll find their extensive selection here.
Traeger Wood Chips
Best known for their pellet grills, Traeger also produces excellent wood chips, including maple and pecan blends. You’ll find their extensive selection here.
Gwernyfed Wood
These high quality chips come in a various sizes and flavours, allowing you to experiment with different flavours. You’ll find their smoking wood selection here.
Which Wood Chips Are Best for Smoking Chicken?
If you’re unsure which wood chips are best for smoking chicken, consider these factors:
- For Sweet, Mild Flavours: Apple, cherry, maple
- For a Classic BBQ Taste: Hickory, pecan
- For Experimenting with Flavours: Mixing apple and hickory, or cherry and pecan
Best Flavours of Wood Chips for Smoking Chicken
Pairing the right wood chips with seasonings and marinades enhances the final result. Here are some excellent flavour combinations:
- Apple + Brown Sugar Rub – Perfect for a slightly caramelised taste.
- Cherry + Chipotle Spice – Great for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Hickory + Garlic & Herb Marinade – Ideal for a bold, smoky finish.
Experiment with mixing different wood chips to create custom flavours!
Best Smoking Chips for Juicy Chicken: Pro Tips
To get the best results when smoking chicken, follow these expert tips:
Use the Right Amount of Wood Chips
Too much smoke can make the chicken taste bitter. Start with a handful of chips and add more gradually.
Maintain a Steady Temperature
Keep your smoker between 107°C-121°C for the juiciest chicken.
Try Different Wood Chip Combinations
Mixing wood chips allows you to create unique flavour profiles.
Avoid Over-Smoking
Chicken absorbs smoke quickly. Smoke for 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the cut and size.
Let’s get that chicken in the smoker BBQ
Choosing the best wood chips for smoking chicken depends on the flavour you want to achieve. Apple and cherry offer mild sweetness, hickory brings bold smokiness, and pecan or maple add depth without overpowering the meat.
Experimenting with different wood chips and flavour pairings is the key to mastering smoked chicken. Whether you prefer classic BBQ flavours or something more subtle, the right wood chips will elevate your next smoked chicken dish.
What’s your favourite wood chip for smoking chicken? Let us know in the comments!