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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

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.