Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple-Mango Glaze

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

Juicy chicken thighs smoked over oak wood and finished with a sticky glaze combining maple syrup and mango for a sweet and smoky balance. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 130 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, oak wood chips, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 110 min Serves 6 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 275°F and soak 2 cups of oak wood chips in water for 30 minutes to prepare for smoking.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and rub evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  3. Step 3: Lightly brush the chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and promote crisp skin.
  4. Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour 30 minutes, maintaining 275°F and replenishing wood chips as needed.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup mango puree in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  6. Step 6: After 1 hour 30 minutes, brush the chicken thighs generously with the maple-mango glaze and continue smoking for an additional 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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-Mango 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 oak wood chips from drying out.

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

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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