Description
These smoked chicken thighs are a perfect blend of tender, juicy meat and rich smoky flavor, complemented by a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. A simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Drizzle olive oil over the thighs, ensuring even coverage.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Set Up the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use a mild wood like apple, cherry, or pecan for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Smoke the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the smoker grates.
- Smoke for approximately 1.5–2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, brush the honey garlic glaze generously over each thigh.
- Increase the smoker temperature to 300°F (150°C) and smoke for an additional 10–15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with extra glaze on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness or garlic intensity of the glaze to your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with smoked vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Smoked Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, BBQ, Smoker Recipe