Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Chive Butter

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

Succulent chicken thighs smoked with hickory wood, finished with a flavorful garlic and fresh chive butter for rich depth. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 145 minutes pairs (about 3 lb) bone-in chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 pounds) evenly with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Set aside at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the garlic-chive butter by combining 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives in a small bowl. Mix until well blended.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 275°F with indirect heat and add 2 cups of soaked hickory wood chips for a strong smoky aroma.
  4. Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the smoker rack and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove the smoked chicken thighs and immediately spread about 1 teaspoon of the garlic-chive butter over each piece while hot, allowing it to melt and enhance the smoky flavor. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Chive Butter take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Chive Butter?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Chive Butter?

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 Garlic-Chive Butter 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 Hickory-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Chive Butter?

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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