Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto and Maple Glaze

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

Juicy hickory-smoked chicken thighs finished with a fresh blueberry pesto and a touch of sweet maple glaze for a balanced smoky and fruity flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 120 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 45 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 250°F with hickory wood. Smoke the chicken thighs skin side up for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is slightly crisp.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry pesto by blending 3/4 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, 1 tbsp pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor until smooth but still textured.
  4. Step 4: During the last 10 minutes of smoking, brush chicken thighs with 1/4 cup maple syrup to glaze.
  5. Step 5: Serve the smoked chicken thighs topped with a spoonful of blueberry pesto for a fresh, vibrant contrast to the smoky meat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto and Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (45 min prep + 75 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto and Maple Glaze?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto and Maple 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 Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto and Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto and Maple Glaze?

American bbq & smoked 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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