At least I learned something

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masondixon

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Well wasn't planning on smoking anything today but 70 degrees and sunny in February convinced me otherwise. The only thing ready to go was some boneless, skinless, chicken breasts my wife pulled out of the freezer the night before. I had reservations when I pulled them from the pack and saw how small they were, but I'm stubborn as they come. Fired up the COS and seasoned them up and threw them on. Smoked them with KBB and a couple hickory chunks, temp 275 for 1.5 hours, pulled when IT hit 162 on the largest of the three. Flavor was good but they were a little on the dry side. If I try boneless/skinless breasts again I will make sure they are thicker and brine ahead of time. But hey, spending a couple hours outside on a beautiful day was reward enough.
 
You may want to pull them a little earlier too.

I pull mine at 157, then with a little rest they cruise up to 165.

Al
 
You may want to pull them a little earlier too.
I pull mine at 157, then with a little rest they cruise up to 165.

Al

Agreed. I pull at 145-150. USDA uses 165 but even 150 with a 2 minute rest will be no pink and bacteria is just as dead as 165. Have not had dry boneless chicken breast in years...JJ
 
Check the packaging...many poultry producers will already have enhanced the birds with solutions. If so, brining doesn't do any good--think about the principles of osmosis. Follow Al and JJ's advice.
 
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Thanks guys. I think your suggestions for pulling at a slightly lower temp is spot on. I have always just done spatchcocked whole birds before and have pulled at 160 to ensure the dark meat is properly cooked. Obviously don't have to worry about that with just the breast and no bones in the equation
 
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