PF
Close-up of grilled chicken on an outdoor barbecue, emitting smoke and flavor.
Stovetop~30 minComplexity

Smoked Chicken Thighs

These Smoked Chicken Thighs pack 48g protein and 708 calories per serving, making them ideal for bulking phases where calorie surplus matters. With 4 servings ready in quick prep time, you'll have a higher-fat poultry option on hand for variety without sacrificing protein intake.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Chicken Thigh, Bone-In, Skin-On(1134g)

    Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.

  • BBQ Sauce(80g)

    Any BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Ray's is a go-to. Check sugar content if cutting.

  • Unsalted Butter(30g)
  • Brown sugar(30g)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder(5g)
  • Onion powder(5g)
  • Chili powder(5g)
  • Cumin, Ground(5g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Cloves, Ground(1g)
  • Cayenne Pepper, Ground(1g)

Instructions

  1. 1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board.
  2. 2In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs, working some underneath the skin. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. 3Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until hot. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. 4Reduce heat to medium-low. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the BBQ sauce until combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet, turning them to coat evenly.
  5. 5Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and simmer over medium-low heat for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  6. 6Remove from heat and let rest uncovered for 5 minutes.
  7. 7Divide the chicken thighs and sauce evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot. Allow to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
  8. 8Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition — Per Serving

708

calories

48g

protein

54g

fat

Carbohydrates
20g
Saturated fat
12.9g
Sodium
478 mg
Dietary fiber
1.2g

4 servings per batch · ~324g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Smoked Chicken Thighs have per serving?

Each serving delivers 48g of protein and 708 calories, with 54g fat and 20g carbs making up the remainder. This is a higher-calorie option compared to chicken breasts, suitable for maintenance or surplus phases.

How long does Smoked Chicken Thighs take to prep?

Quick prep time on the stovetop with 4 servings per batch means you can prepare a full week's worth of dinners efficiently. The recipe prioritizes speed without sacrificing the Maillard reaction from smoking.

Is Smoked Chicken Thighs good for muscle gain?

At 48g protein per serving, these thighs fit well into muscle-building phases when paired with other protein sources to hit daily targets. The 708 calories provide the surplus needed to support strength gains alongside resistance training.

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