Maple-Bacon Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs
Juicy smoked chicken thighs finished with a sweet and savory glaze featuring maple syrup and crisp bacon for a flavor-packed dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 175 minutes pairs kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 6 pieces (about 3 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 4 slices, chopped bacon strips
- 2 cups applewood chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika. Let rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat smoker to 250°F and add 2 cups applewood chips for a mild, sweet smoke. Place chicken thighs skin side up on the smoker grate.
- Step 3: Smoke the chicken thighs for approximately 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is firm.
- Step 4: While chicken smokes, cook 4 chopped bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve fat.
- Step 5: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add 1/3 cup maple syrup and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Simmer over low heat for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Brush the maple-bacon glaze generously over the smoked chicken thighs, then return to smoker for an additional 15 minutes to set the glaze. Sprinkle with crisp bacon pieces before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Bacon Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (40 min prep + 135 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 Maple-Bacon Glazed 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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Bacon Glazed 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 Maple-Bacon Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs 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 Maple-Bacon Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs?
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.
