Maple-Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs with Sage

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

Juicy smoked chicken thighs brushed with a sweet maple glaze and accented by fragrant fresh sage for a comforting smoky poultry dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on 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 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: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels and rub 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika evenly over all sides.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 275°F and add 2 cups pecan wood chips for a mild, nutty smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin side up on the smoker rack and smoke for 1 hour, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken smokes, combine 1/3 cup maple syrup, 10 chopped fresh sage leaves, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: After 1 hour, brush the maple-sage glaze generously over the chicken thighs and continue smoking for an additional 15 minutes to set the glaze and develop a shiny finish.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from smoker and rest for 10 minutes before serving with extra fresh sage for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 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 Sage?

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-Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs with Sage?

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 Sage 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 Sage?

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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