...
Go Back
–+ servings
Rested smoked chicken thighs with glaze served on a cutting board

Honey Garlic Smoked Chicken Thighs

These honey garlic smoked chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for weekend BBQs. A sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully over tender, smoky chicken. Great for beginners and pitmasters alike!
Print Pin
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Keyword: Honey garlic chicken thighs, Honey garlic smoked chicken thighs boneless, Honey garlic smoked chicken thighs pellet grill, Honey garlic smoked chicken thighs recipe, Honey garlic smoked chicken thighs rub
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 thighs per person)
Calories: 410kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Smoker (pellet, offset, kettle, or electric)
  • 1 Meat thermometer
  • 1 Small saucepan
  • 1 Basting brush
  • 1 Aluminum foil
  • 1 Tongs

Ingredients

Dry Rub

  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in skin-on (about 3 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar for caramelization
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat

Honey Garlic Glaze

  • ½ cup honey local honey preferred
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste

Instructions

  • Let chicken sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Pat dry and coat evenly with the dry rub. Let it rest while you prep the smoker.
  • Preheat smoker to 225°F. Add wood chips (apple or cherry recommended). Smoke thighs skin-side up for 1.5–2 hours until internal temp reaches 155–160°F.
  • While smoking, simmer glaze ingredients until slightly thickened. Brush onto thighs once they hit 155–160°F. Increase smoker temp to 300°F and cook 10–15 more minutes to caramelize.
  • Remove from smoker and rest 5–10 minutes. Serve with remaining glaze and sides of your choice.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 220g | Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1.4mg