Maple Mango BBQ Chicken with Jim Beam Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy smoked chicken thighs brushed with a sweet and savory BBQ glaze combining maple syrup, mango, and a splash of Jim Beam bourbon. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 105 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 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: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 8 bone-in chicken thighs dry and season with 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika evenly on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 275°F with fruitwood chips such as apple or cherry. Place chicken thighs skin side up and smoke for 1 hour 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup mango puree, 2 tbsp Jim Beam bourbon, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: During the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the chicken thighs generously with the maple mango Jim Beam glaze every 5 minutes to build a sticky coating.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra glaze on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple Mango BBQ Chicken with Jim Beam Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 Mango BBQ Chicken with Jim Beam Glaze?

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 Mango BBQ Chicken with Jim Beam Glaze?

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 Mango BBQ Chicken with Jim Beam Glaze 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 Maple Mango BBQ Chicken with Jim Beam Glaze?

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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