Best Wood For Smoking Chicken

Best Wood For Smoking Chicken

Smoking a chicken may produce some of the most desirable, succulent tastes that other techniques of cooking cannot match. However, if you are new to the world of smoking chicken, it is critical that you select the best wood. However, which wood is ideal for smoking chicken?

Many wood flavors complement the smoked chicken. Hickory and oak are excellent choices for bold flavors. Maple is enchantingly sweet, just as applewood, peachwood, and cherrywood have attractive sweet, and fruity undertones.

From classic hickory to more exotic wood, each type of wood brings a unique flavor to your smoked chicken. Read on to discover the best wood chips for chicken!

Review Of Best Wood For Smoking Chicken- Top 10

Smoking meat is an excellent way to enhance flavor and produce soft, juicy foods. There are numerous varieties of wood that can be used for smoking, each having its own distinct flavor and features. Here is a quick rundown of ten popular types of wood used for smoking chicken:

1. Camerons All Natural Maple Wood Chips for Smoker

Maple (Camerons Smoking Wood Chips)

I have used Cameron’s Smoking Wood Chips multiple times and have been extremely satisfied with the results. The 2lb bag is the perfect size for various uses, and the coarse kiln-dried chips provide a robust and smoky flavor to my grilled and smoked meats.

I have used the chips with gas and charcoal grills and a smoker box and found them to be easy to use and effective in adding flavor to my food. The 100% all-natural composition is a plus, as I am conscious about using natural and organic products in my cooking.

Overall, I highly recommend Cameron’s Smoking Wood Chips for anyone looking to add a delicious smoky flavor to their grilled or smoked meats.

Reasons to Buy

  • Adds a smoky flavor to food
  • Can be used with various cooking methods(grilling, smoking, roasting, etc.)
  • Comes in a variety of wood flavors to suit different tastes
  • Easy to use and store

But?

  • Package was short

2. Western Premium BBQ Smoking Wood Chips for Charcoal Gas and Electric Grills

Hickory Barbecue Flavorful Heat Treated Grilling Smoking Wood Chips

I recently purchased the Western Premium BBQ 180 Cubic Inch Hickory Barbecue Wood Chips. I have been thoroughly impressed with their performance. The pre-treated heat ensures that the wood chips are free of pests, mold, or rot, allowing for a long-lasting, flavorful grilling experience. The hickory smoke provides a bold, distinctive taste that elevates my BBQ dishes.

I also appreciate the versatility of these wood chips, as they can be used on charcoal, gas, and electric grills. They add another layer of flavor to my grilling, providing depth and complexity to the overall taste of my food.

Reasons to Buy

  • Adds a rich, smoky flavor to grilled and smoked foods
  • Made from heat-treated hickory wood for improved flavor and durability
  • 180 cubic inch size provides plenty of wood chips for multiple uses
  • Can be used in a variety of grilling and smoking methods

3. Oklahoma Joe’s Apple Wood Smoker Chips, 2-Pound Bag

Oklahoma Joe's Apple Wood Smoker Chips, 2-Pound Bag

I was amazed at the delicious fruity flavor of Oklahoma Joe’s applewood smoker chips added to my pork and poultry. These chips are the perfect addition to any smoker or grill and add a unique twist to traditional barbecue. The all-natural wood chips are easy to use and produce great results every time. 

These chips are a great way to add extra flavor to your barbecue. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a delicious way to spice up their next cookout.

Reasons To Buy

  • Made from natural apple wood for a unique, smoky flavor
  • Can be used in a variety of smokers and grills
  • Solid chips For everyone
  • Large bag provides plenty of chips for multiple cooking sessions

But?

  • Little bit expensive

4. Oklahoma Joe’s Cherry Wood Smoker Chips

Cherry (Oklahoma Joe's Cherry Wood Smoker Chips)

I recently purchased Oklahoma Joe’s cherry wood smoker chips and have been highly impressed with the quality and flavor they provide. The mild fruity flavor they add to fish, pork, and poultry is fantastic, and I’ve found that they work well with smokers and grills. 

All-natural wood chips are an excellent option for those looking to add a unique flavor to their meats without artificial additives. I’ve also appreciated the size of the bag, as it has provided me with plenty of chips for multiple smoking sessions.

Reasons To Buy

  • Adds a delicious cherry wood flavor to your food
  • Easy to use and store
  • Compatible with many different types of smokers
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • A convenient size for easy handling

But?

  • Can be expensive compared to other types of wood chips

5. Pecan Weber Stephen Products Wood

pecan (Weber Stephen Products Wood)

The Weber Stephen Products Wood Pecan Chips are a fantastic product. I have been thoroughly impressed with their quality since I purchased them. The material is made of high-quality pecan wood, giving the chips a natural and rich wood color. 

The capacity of the chips is also very convenient as it holds 2 pounds, making it easy to use for various grilling and smoking needs.

One thing to note is that the product care instructions recommend hand washing only, so follow the instructions to keep the chips in the best condition.

Reasons To Buy

  • Natural and sustainable material
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Can be easily stained or finished to suit a variety of design styles
  • A nice bag of smoking chips

But?

  • Burns up too fast even on low temp

6. Oak Camerons Products Wood Smoker Chips

6. Oak (Camerons Products Wood Smoker Chips)

I have tried Camerons Products Wood Smoker Chips in my gas grill, and I am happy with the light smoky flavor it gives my food. The wood is made of 100% natural raw timber, precision cut, and kiln dried, so it ignites quickly and com-busts completely. I love the coarse amount, which pairs well with poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and cheeses. 

Suppose you’re looking for a way to add delicious smoky flavor to your grilling or smoking experience. In that case, I highly recommend these wood chips. They’ve made a big difference for my family and me, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you!

Reasons To Buy

  • Made from 100% natural oak wood
  • Easy to use and store
  • Can be used with a variety of meats, vegetables, and other foods

But?

  • Wood box issue

7. Weber Mesquite Wood Chunks

Mesquite (Weber Mesquite Wood Chunks)

I was impressed by the bold, smoky flavor the Weber Mesquite Wood Chunks added to my grilled meat – it was a great grilling experience overall! The bag is generous, and the chunks are the perfect size for grilling. I found them especially great with pork, lamb, and beef, and I would recommend them to other grill enthusiasts.

The smoky aroma and taste added a new depth to my grilling experience. I am delighted with this product and will be using it again in the future.

Reasons To Buy

  • Perfect for the weekend grillmaster
  • Excellent flavors
  • Works well when cold smoking

But?

  • Too many little pieces/chips

8. Alder Smokehouse Products Alder Flavored Chunks

Alder (Smokehouse Products Alder Flavored Chunks)

Smokehouse Products Alder Flavored Chunks are great for outdoor grilling and smoking needs. The alder flavor imparts a delicate and subtle smokiness to the meat, which is perfect for fish and poultry. The wood chunks are a convenient size and provide consistent flavor throughout the cooking process. 

I am delighted with this product and will continue to use it for my outdoor cooking adventures.

Reasons To Buy

  • Great for beginners and experienced smokers alike
  • No need to worry about burning your house down
  • Made with natural alder wood that gives it a unique flavor and aroma

But?

  • Some people were disappointed

9. Peach Western Premium BBQ Smoking Chips

Peach (Western Premium BBQ Products Peach BBQ Smoking Chips)

I have personally used Western Premium BBQ Products Peach BBQ Smoking Chips, and the results are mouthwatering. The large size of the chips ensures ample smoke, making for perfectly flavored and tender meats. The peach flavor adds a sweet and subtle tang to any meat, from beef sirloin to salmon. I particularly enjoy using them on BBQ smoked wings and baby back ribs.

Reasons To Buy

  • Smokey flavor with a hint of peach
  • Great for any meat, including pork and poultry
  • Contains no preservatives, artificial flavors, or added sodium

But?

  • Little bit overpriced

10. Walnut Natual Wood Chips for Smoker

Walnut (Natual Wood Chips for Smoker)

I was so pleased with the quality of the Natual Wood Chips for Smoker that I recently purchased. The wood chips are perfect for smoking, and I am thrilled with the product. The assortment of 8 premium smoking flavors adds a delicious depth of flavor to both drinks and food. 

I especially love that the wood chips are natural and organic, giving me peace of mind about the quality of the ingredients I use.

The packaging of the wood chips is also top-notch and makes for a perfect gift set. I have already recommended this product to several friends and family members. I will continue to shop with confidence in the future.

Reasons to Buy

  • They’re natural, so they’re good for the environment
  • They’re a healthy alternative to processed wood chips
  • You can use them in the smoker or on a grill

But?

  • Tiny chip pieces and shards

A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing a Wood for Smoking Chicken

When it comes to smoking chicken, the type of wood you use can significantly affect the flavor of the finished dish. Here are a few things to consider when choosing wood for smoking chicken:

1. Consider the flavor profile of the wood

Different types of wood will add different flavors to your smoked chicken. Some popular options for smoking chicken include hickory, oak, and mesquite. Hickory has a robust and smoky flavor that is often described as bacon-like. Oak is a milder wood with a slightly sweet taste. Mesquite has a bold, earthy flavor that can be overpowering if used in large amounts.

2. Think about the size of the wood pieces

When smoking chicken, it is important to use wood chips or small chunks rather than logs. This is because more significant pieces of wood take longer to ignite and produce smoke, which can cause the chicken to overcook. Smaller pieces of wood will ignite more quickly and create a steady stream of smoke that will flavor the chicken without overcooking it.

3. Look for wood that has been properly seasoned

Wood that has not been properly seasoned will contain a high moisture content, which can cause it to produce a lot of steam when burned. This steam will not only dilute the flavor of the smoke, but it can also cause the chicken to become soggy. To avoid this, look for wood that has been properly seasoned and has a moisture content of less than 20%.

4. Choose wood that is free of chemicals and additives

Some woods, particularly those treated with chemicals or preservatives, can be harmful to smoke with. These chemicals can be released into the air when the wood is burned and contaminate your food. To ensure your smoked chicken is safe, look for wood free of chemicals and additives.

5. Experiment with different woods to find the flavor you like best

One of the best things about smoking chicken is that you can experiment with other woods to find the flavor that you like best. Try mixing and matching other woods, or using a wood native to your area, to create unique and delicious flavors in your smoked chicken.

Woods To Avoid When Smoking Chicken

It is generally recommended to avoid using woods that have a solid and overpowering flavor, such as pine or cedar when smoking chicken, as they can overpower the delicate flavor of the chicken. It is best to use milder woods such as apple, cherry, or oak for smoking chicken.

Overall Thoughts

I hope our list of the best wood for smoking chicken selected by experts has helped you. Comment below and let us know. Also, feel free to share this article with your friends if they want to read our experts’ advice. If you wish to contact us, you can do so through our contact page or comment section.

Author

  • Troy Miller

    Hi! My name is Troy, and I'm the founder of Grill Taster. I have a lot of experience in grilling because I've been testing out products for over a decade. With almost ten years as a professional griller and help to thousands of aspiring BBQ masters, you can trust me to help you find the best grills and accessories on the market so that you don't have to waste time or money on junk. With my family enjoying some summertime fun just outside Carolina, we're all looking forward to your comments and questions!

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