Smoked Chicken Family Pack with Classic Cornbread

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

Smoky pulled chicken served alongside moist, golden cornbread making a perfect family-style barbecue meal. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 170 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 550 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: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker or grill to 275°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs on the smoker rack and smoke for about 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is tender enough to shred.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken smokes, preheat oven to 400°F and prepare the cornbread. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the cornbread batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: When chicken is done, shred it with two forks, then toss with 1 cup BBQ sauce until well coated.
  7. Step 7: Serve the pulled smoked chicken hot with slices of freshly baked cornbread for a satisfying family pack meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Chicken Family Pack with Classic Cornbread take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Smoked Chicken Family Pack with Classic Cornbread?

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 Smoked Chicken Family Pack with Classic Cornbread?

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 Smoked Chicken Family Pack with Classic Cornbread 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 Smoked Chicken Family Pack with Classic Cornbread?

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.

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