Name: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs; 1 Tablespoon Paprika; 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder; 1 Tablespoon Salt; 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper; 6 Tablespoons Cream Cheese; 3 Medium Jalapenos (sliced in half horizontally and the stem and seeds removed); 6 Slices Thick Cut Bacon; 6 Tablespoons Salted Butter; ½ Cup BBQ Sauce

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Smoked Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs are the ultimate BBQ treat! Boneless chicken thighs are stuffed with fresh jalapeno peppers and cream cheese, then wrapped in bacon and smoked. Juicy, tender, smokey, and crispy, need I say more? Finish them off with your favorite BBQ sauce and watch everyone drool.

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs lifting one out and one sliced.

Scrumptious Chicken Recipes
Why You'll Love Stuffed Chicken Thighs Wrapped in Bacon
Why This Is The Recipe To Try
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
Best Wood or Pellets for Smoking Chicken
How to Make Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Recipe Tips
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
How to Store Leftovers
How to Reheat Smoked Chicken Thighs
More Grilling Recipes

Scrumptious Chicken Recipes

Chicken wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and barbecued is SO much better than plain old chicken. The combination creates a medley of flavors and textures from the crispy layer of bacon to the rich cheesy filling. It's the perfect pairing to the smoky sweetness of the chicken.

And if you love stuffed chicken filled with a variety of fillings from herbs to vegetables to cheese and wrapped in a salty layer of meat then don't stop with this recipe but check out our Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bake, Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken, and Italian Stuffed Chicken Breasts for more dinner deliciousness.

Closeup of inside of cut chicken thigh with fork in it.

Why You'll Love Stuffed Chicken Thighs Wrapped in Bacon

Chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned with a homemade spice mix, rolled up with a cream cheese jalapeno pepper inside, wrapped in bacon, smoked covered in butter to juicy perfection, and finished with BBQ sauce. Oh my!

If that doesn't make your mouth water, I don't know what will.

Why This Is The Recipe To Try

Other recipes call for the thighs to be smoked directly on the grates. All that yummy chicken fat and bacon grease drips off and goes away. This can also dry out the chicken.

With this recipe, the thighs are first smoked in mini muffin pans with butter so you get chicken soaking up all those flavors and staying incredibly moist. It's like basting without actually having to baste the chicken.

Then the thighs are taken out of the pans and smoked on a rack to crisp up the bacon. It's finished with a slathering of BBQ sauce for even more incredible flavor.

Wow, right?! Yes, that's why this is the best recipe for smoked bacon wrapped stuffed chicken thighs.

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make these incredible bacon wrapped stuffed chicken thighs. The exact amounts are on the printable recipe card below.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Cream Cheese
Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
Thick Cut Bacon
Salted Butter
Paprika
Garlic Powder
Salt
Black Pepper
BBQ Sauce - Your Favorite

Equipment Needed

Mini Loaf Pans
Traditional Wood Smoker or Pellet Smoker
Meat or Instant-read Thermometer

Best Wood or Pellets for Smoking Chicken

Chicken is a delicate meat that benefits from milder woods to avoid overpowering its natural flavors. Woods like apple, cherry, or maple provide a subtle sweetness that can enhance the chicken without dominating the taste.

Since the recipe also involves bacon and jalapeno, which bring their own robust flavors, choosing a wood that complements these ingredients is crucial. Hickory, with its stronger, bacon-like flavor, could be a great choice as it echoes the smokiness of the bacon and stands up to the spice of the jalapeno.

If you are using a pellet smoker, you have the advantage of easily blending different wood pellets to create a unique flavor profile. A blend of apple and hickory pellets could be an excellent starting point for this recipe.

How to Make Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Here are the steps and some photos of the process for smoking chicken thighs that are stuffed with jalapeno and cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Prep steps for bacon wrapped chicken thighs.

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
Slice the jalapenos in half, remove the seeds, and fill with 1 tablespoon of cream cheese.
Lay the chicken thighs out, smooth side down, and place a cheese filled jalapeno on each one.
Sprinkle the chicken and jalapenos with half of the seasoning.

Smoking steps for bacon wrapped stuffed chicken thighs.

Roll each thigh up, jelly-roll fashion, and wrap with a piece of bacon.
Place the chicken into a mini loaf pan, loose side down, then sprinkle the finished stuffed thighs with the remaining seasoning. Add a pat of butter to the top of each one.
Place on the smoker, in the pan, for 45 minutes. Cover the pan and smoke for another 30 minutes.
Remove the thighs from the pan and place them directly on the grill rack. Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and smoke for another 15 minutes.

Note: The chicken thighs will be done when a digital thermometer reads an internal temperature of 175°F.

Remove the thighs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes. Serve on a bed of greens with a sprinkle of parsley. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Mastering the art of making these Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs is easier than you think! With these essential tips, you'll unlock the secrets to perfectly smoked, flavor-packed chicken that's sure to impress at your next barbecue.

Chicken Thighs: Opt for evenly sized chicken thighs for consistent cooking. Trimming any excess fat can help to avoid flare-ups and ensure a more uniform wrap.

Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for better wrapping and to prevent it from cooking too quickly compared to the chicken.

Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier spreading. Do not overfill as it will overflow the loaf pan and create a mess.

Jalapeno: When handling jalapenos, consider wearing gloves to prevent irritation. Removing seeds and membranes will reduce heat for those who prefer a milder flavor.

BBQ Sauce: Apply the BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and create a delicious glaze.

Temperature Control: Maintain a steady temperature in your smoker for even cooking. Avoid opening the smoker frequently, as this can lead to temperature fluctuations.

Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes after smoking. This step helps redistribute juices, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

As you savor the smoky goodness of our Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs, the right side dishes can turn your meal into a memorable feast. From the crisp freshness of garden salads to the comforting warmth of classic barbecue accompaniments, the perfect pairings can elevate your dining experience.

Let's explore the best side dishes that not only complement the flavors of the chicken but also add variety and balance to your table.

A classic choice, coleslaw adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the smoky and rich flavors of the chicken.
A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a fresh and healthy balance.
Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini grilled with a touch of olive oil and seasoning make a healthy and flavorful side.
Smoky and sweet, grilled corn on the cob is a quintessential barbecue accompaniment.
A barbecue staple, baked beans complement the savory flavors of smoked chicken.
For a heartier side, creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with the spicy and smoky chicken.
A slice of moist cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce and balancing the spice.
Soft dinner rolls are great for those who prefer a simple, yet satisfying, accompaniment.
A creamy potato salad, either traditional or with a tangy twist, can be a delightful addition.
Herb-roasted potatoes offer a crispy and savory side that matches well with the chicken.
Iced Tea or Lemonade are classic refreshments that provide a sweet and refreshing respite from the smoky and spicy flavors.
A light beer or a glass of chilled white wine can complement the richness of the dish perfectly.

How to Store Leftovers

Enjoying your Smoked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs doesn't end with the meal. Storing leftovers properly ensures that you can savor the flavors again. Here's how to keep your chicken delicious and safe for later enjoyment:

Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the chicken will last up to 5 days.

If you plan to store the chicken for more than a few days, you can freeze it. Store the chicken in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bags. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight then reheat in a 300°F oven for 20 minutes.

How to Reheat Smoked Chicken Thighs

When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them correctly is key to restoring their fresh-off-the-smoker taste. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is just as delicious the second time around:

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. It usually takes about 20 minutes for the chicken to heat through. Check the internal temperature to ensure it's warmed to your liking.

Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with wax or parchment paper. Reheat on a low setting to avoid drying out the chicken. It's best to heat in short intervals, checking frequently.

If the chicken seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a dab of butter before reheating.

More Grilling Recipes

Find lots of delicious and easy recipes for chicken right here on 2CM!

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