Applewood-Smoked Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs smoked with applewood chips and seasoned with a simple herb blend, resulting in juicy, aromatic meat. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 60 minutes pairs pounds chicken thighs, applewood smoke chips, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350°F) and soak 1/4 cup applewood smoke chips in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Pat the 2 pounds chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder, rubbing the spices into the skin.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and add the soaked applewood smoke chips to the smoker box. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Applewood-Smoked Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Applewood-Smoked Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Applewood-Smoked Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Applewood-Smoked Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Applewood-Smoked Chicken Thighs?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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