Columbia Smokehouse Chicken with Maple-Apple Glaze
Elevated comfort food inspired by Highball Kitchen's grill philosophy, featuring smoky chicken thighs glazed with sweet-tart apple and maple, served with roasted root vegetables. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 medium, peeled and cubed sweet potato
- 1, peeled and cubed carrot
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Toss 1 medium peeled sweet potato and 1 peeled carrot with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper on a baking sheet, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
- Step 3: While vegetables roast, whisk 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp water in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium-high, add chicken skin-side down, and cook for 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for 4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Brush chicken with 2 tbsp of the maple-apple glaze, top with 1 tsp chopped thyme, and serve with roasted vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Columbia Smokehouse Chicken with Maple-Apple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Columbia Smokehouse Chicken with Maple-Apple Glaze?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Columbia Smokehouse Chicken with Maple-Apple Glaze?
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 Columbia Smokehouse Chicken with Maple-Apple Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Columbia Smokehouse Chicken with Maple-Apple Glaze?
American chicken 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many chicken recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.








