How Long to Smoke Stuffed Chicken Breast for Maximum Juicy, Smoky Flavor

Smoking stuffed chicken breasts is a great way to add rich, smoky barbecue flavor to juicy, tender chicken. When smoked correctly, the chicken gets a great hint of wood smoke, and the flavorful stuffing makes a great contrast in taste and texture. But getting the smoking time just right is important for making sure your stuffed chicken breasts are juicy and tasty.

Here’s a detailed look at how long you need to smoke stuffed chicken breast along with tips for maximizing flavor and tenderness.

Factors That Affect Smoking Time

Several factors impact how long it takes to smoke stuffed chicken breasts:

• Size of the chicken breasts – Larger breasts take longer to smoke through to the proper internal temperature. Breasts weighing 6-8 oz need about 1.5-2 hours while 8-10 oz breasts take around 2-2.5 hours. Breasts over 10 oz can take 2.5-3 hours.

• Type and density of stuffing: Stuffings that are dense and thick, like those made with cheese or breadcrumbs, take longer to heat up than stuffings that are lighter.

• Smoking temperature – Lower heat around 225°F means a longer cooking time while higher heat around 275°F reduces cooking time

• Desired level of doneness: chicken that is cooked to 170°F takes longer to pull than chicken that is cooked to 165°F.

Recommended Smoking Times

Here are general smoking time guidelines based on chicken breast size

• 6-8 oz chicken breasts: Smoke for around 1.5-2 hours
• 8-10 oz chicken breasts: Smoke for approximately 2-2.5 hours
• Larger 10+ oz chicken breasts: Smoke for 2.5-3 hours or until 165°F internal temp

I recommend smoking at 225-275°F and using a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.

Tips for Perfectly Smoked Stuffed Chicken

Follow these tips for maximum juicy, smoky flavor:

• Brine or marinate the chicken first to boost moisture and flavor

• Wrap in bacon for added moisture and flavor (optional)

• Use a water pan in the smoker to keep things moist

• Stuff with bold flavors – cheese, veggies, herbs, etc. complement the smoke

• Monitor temperature closely and pull chicken at 165-170°F

• Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicy results

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps for smoking stuffed chicken breast perfection:

1. Prep the chicken – trim, pound to even thickness, brine or marinate if desired.

2. Make your stuffing – pick bold flavors that pair well with smoke. Cheese, spinach, roasted peppers etc.

3. Butterfly chicken – cut a pocket in thicker end, being careful not to cut in half.

4. Fill the pockets – stuff each pocket with 1-2 tbsp of stuffing mixture.

5. Wrap with bacon (optional) – 2 slices per breast. Secures stuffing.

6. Season the outside – sprinkle with barbecue rub or seasoning blend.

7. Set up smoker – use apple, cherry, or pecan wood for flavor. Add water pan. Heat to 225-275°F.

8. Smoke chicken – place stuffed breasts on grill grates bone side down if using bone-in.

9. Check temperature – smoke until 165-170°F internal temp. 1.5-3 hours depending on size.

10. Rest and serve – let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long per pound to smoke chicken?

Figure around 30-35 minutes of smoking time per pound at 225-250°F.

What temp should you smoke chicken?

Aim for 225-275°F smoking temperatures for ideal results.

Should you wrap chicken in foil when smoking?

Wrapping is not necessary if smoking at the right low temperature. Leaving unwrapped allows for better smoke absorption.

What wood is best for smoking chicken?

Fruit woods like apple, cherry and pecan provide the best flavor for smoking chicken.

Can you oversmoke chicken?

It is possible to oversmoke chicken if exposed to heavy smoke for too long. Try a lighter touch with wood chips and avoid extremely lengthy smoking times.

Smoking stuffed chicken breasts is an outstanding way to infuse your poultry with rich, smoky flavor. Follow the guidelines above for approximate smoking times based on breast size. Monitoring temperature and using fruit wood smoke will ensure you achieve tender, juicy smoked stuffed chicken that delivers maximum wood-fired flavor in every bite.