Maple-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme

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

Juicy chicken thighs smoked gently over maple wood with a fragrant garlic and thyme rub for a subtly sweet and herbaceous flavor. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 135 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, maple wood chips, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form a flavorful paste. Rub this mixture evenly over 6 bone-in chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 250°F and add 2 cups of maple wood chips for a light, sweet smoke flavor. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the smoker grate.
  3. Step 3: Smoke the chicken for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken thighs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. The result is tender, smoky chicken with a delicate maple aroma and bright herbal notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

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-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

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-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme 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-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

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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