Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy smoked chicken thighs coated in a spicy rub and finished with a sweet and tangy maple BBQ glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 135 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the chicken rub. Rub evenly over 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 250°F and add 1.5 cups soaked pecan or hickory wood chips for smoke. Place chicken thighs skin side up on the grate and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken smokes, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: During the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the maple BBQ glaze over the chicken thighs every 5 minutes to form a sticky, flavorful coating. Remove and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ 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 Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ 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 Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ Glaze 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 Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs with Maple BBQ 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.

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