How Long to Smoke a 2 lb Chicken Thighs at 225°F
Smoke a 2 lb chicken thighs for about 2h at 225°F, then rest 5 minutes. Pull at 175°F internal.
Last updated 2026-05-14 · By SmokerCookTime editorial team
Quick answer
A 2 lb chicken thighs smoked at 225°F takes about 2h in the smoker, plus a 5-minute rest. Pull at 175°F internal temperature. Do not wrap.
At a glance
- Smoker temp: 225°F
- Cook time: 2h (60 min per lb)
- Internal target: 175°F
- Wrap at: Do not wrap
- Rest: 5 minutes minimum
- Total time: 2h 5m
Cook time at a glance
| Smoker temp | Approx cook time | Total with rest |
|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 2h | 2h 5m |
| 250°F | 1h 48m | 1h 53m |
| 275°F | 1h 38m | 1h 43m |
Internal temperature target
Pull the chicken thighs when the thickest part hits 175°F on a probe thermometer. Do not wrap — this cut benefits from full bark exposure.
Technique note
Pull thighs at 175°F not 165°F — connective tissue renders better.
Recommended pitmaster books
Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto (Spiral Bound)
The bible of central Texas brisket. Aaron Franklin's full method — fire management, salt-and-pepper rub, the wrap, slicing. Spiral-bound so it stays flat at the smoker.
Franklin Smoke: Wood, Fire, Food (Spiral Bound)
Franklin's wood-pairing reference plus 70+ recipes beyond brisket. The best book for understanding how different woods change the cook.
Smokin' with Myron Mixon (Spiral Bound)
Competition recipes from a four-time world BBQ champion. Brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken — Mixon's exact rubs and injections. Spiral-bound and grease-resistant.
Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook (Spiral Bound)
Chuckwagon-style cooking inspired by the Yellowstone ranch — smoked meats, cast-iron classics, outdoor cooking. The crowd-pleaser of the four.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to smoke a 2 lb Chicken Thighs at 225°F?
About 2h of smoke time, plus a 5-minute rest. Total 2h 5m. Cooking time is an estimate — pull at 175°F internal.
What internal temperature should a Chicken Thighs reach?
Pull at 175°F internal temperature. Use a probe thermometer; do not rely on time alone.
Should I wrap a Chicken Thighs during the smoke?
No, this cut is best smoked unwrapped to retain bark and texture.
How long should a Chicken Thighs rest after smoking?
Rest for at least 5 minutes — this is non-negotiable for redistributing juices and finishing carryover cooking.