Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Chipotle Glaze

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

Tender slow-smoked beef brisket infused with smoky flavors and finished with a sweet and spicy maple-chipotle glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 585 minutes turns beef brisket, kosher salt, black pepper into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 8, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 45 min Cook: 540 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tsp chipotle powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of the 5 lbs beef brisket, pressing it in firmly. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your smoker by preheating to 225°F and adding a handful of hickory or oak wood chips for smoke. Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker rack and smoke for about 6 hours, maintaining a steady 225°F, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil to create the glaze.
  4. Step 4: After the brisket reaches 165°F, brush the maple-chipotle glaze generously over the meat. Wrap the brisket tightly in foil and return it to the smoker.
  5. Step 5: Continue smoking for another 3 hours or until the internal temperature hits 203°F and the meat is tender to the touch. Remove from smoker and let rest wrapped for at least 30 minutes before slicing across the grain.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Chipotle Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 585 minutes (45 min prep + 540 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Chipotle Glaze?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Chipotle 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Chipotle Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Maple-Chipotle 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.