Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and smoky with this Maple Glazed Barbecue Chicken recipe—an irresistible twist on classic grilled chicken. Succulent, bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil before basking in a sticky, flavorful glaze made from pure maple syrup, tangy apple cider vinegar, and your favorite barbecue sauce. The grilling process caramelizes the glaze to perfection, creating beautifully crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. Whether cooked on the grill or in the oven, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for backyard barbecues or cozy family dinners. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete, mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. Keywords: maple glazed barbecue chicken, grilled chicken thighs, smoky and sweet chicken, barbecue recipes, outdoor grilling.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 400°F.
In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by whisking together the maple syrup, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub each piece with olive oil, then season on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill grates (or on a baking sheet if using the oven). Grill for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and slightly crisp. If cooking in the oven, roast skin-side up for the same amount of time.
Flip the chicken thighs and brush the tops with the prepared maple glaze. Grill (or bake) for another 5-7 minutes.
Continue flipping and basting the chicken every 5 minutes with the glaze until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-25 minutes total cooking time.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Optional: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or cornbread.
Calories |
2667 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.7 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.9 g | 209% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 4515 mg | 196% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.0 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 151.6 g | ||
| Protein | 164.1 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2090 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.