Slow-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Peach Glaze
Tender chicken thighs smoked until golden, then glazed with a sweet-tart peach reduction for a Southern-inspired finish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 90 minutes pairs bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup peach puree
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme in a bowl. Rub evenly over all sides of chicken thighs.
- Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place chicken thighs skin-side up on smoker rack and smoke for 60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 3: While chicken smokes, combine 1/4 cup peach puree, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from smoker. Brush generously with peach glaze, return to smoker, and cook for 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes with remaining glaze until caramelized and shiny.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Peach Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Chicken Thighs with Peach 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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Peach 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 Chicken Thighs with Peach 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 Slow-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Peach 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
