Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto

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

Juicy smoked chicken thighs glazed with a sweet maple sauce, paired with a vibrant blueberry and basil pesto for a fresh contrast. This chicken recipe, ready in about 95 minutes, pairs 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 380 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: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 6 bone-in chicken thighs dry and season evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Let them rest while preparing the smoker.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 275°F and place the chicken thighs skin side up on the grate. Smoke for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken smokes, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create a glaze.
  4. Step 4: Brush the maple glaze over the chicken thighs every 15 minutes during the final 30 minutes of smoking to build a glossy, flavorful coating.
  5. Step 5: For the blueberry pesto, combine 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured.
  6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve with a generous dollop of blueberry pesto on top or on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto?

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 Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto 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 Smoked Chicken Thighs with Blueberry Pesto?

BBQ & Smoked 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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