Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a smoky maple glaze combining sweet and earthy flavors, perfect for a summer backyard cookout. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the maple glaze over them, turning to coat evenly. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat, around 375°F. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and charred in spots.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken thighs and grill for an additional 6-8 minutes, basting occasionally with reserved glaze, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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 pure maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika 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-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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.

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