Spiced Smoked Chicken Thighs with Applewood

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs smoked over applewood, seasoned with a balanced spice rub for a tender, flavorful meal. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 190 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder to form a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 8 chicken thighs with skin and bone in, then rub them evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil before coating thoroughly with the spice rub; let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 250°F, adding 2 cups applewood chips for a mild smoky flavor.
  4. Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the smoker rack and smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is nicely rendered and flavorful.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken thighs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Smoked Chicken Thighs with Applewood take to make?

Total time is about 190 minutes (40 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 Spiced Smoked Chicken Thighs with Applewood?

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 kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Smoked Chicken Thighs with Applewood?

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 Spiced Smoked Chicken Thighs with Applewood 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 Spiced Smoked Chicken Thighs with Applewood?

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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