Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze

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

Chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and glazed with a sweet-smoky maple mixture, finished with a subtle woodsmoke note. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels; season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 minced garlic cloves; brush half over chicken.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Brush remaining maple glaze over chicken and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple 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 Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple 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 Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple Glaze?

American grilling 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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