Peach Glazed Smoked Chicken Thighs

This peach-glazed smoked chicken thigh recipe features a sweet and savory glaze I've used for years when I want something a little different from classic BBQ chicken.

The combination of peach jam, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a glossy, caramelized finish that works especially well on bone-in chicken thighs, resulting in juicy meat with a sticky glaze that sets rather than burns.

The steady heat of a pellet grill makes it perfect for glazed chicken. Cooking the thighs first without sauce lets the fat render and the meat stay tender, while adding the peach glaze later prevents burning.

This glaze isn't just for chicken, either - it's excellent brushed onto Smoked Pork Chops, Smoked Pork Tenderloin, or even Pellet Grill Smoked Salmon.

Why This Peach Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

The timing here is intentional. The chicken thighs cook most of the way without sauce, which lets the fat render and the meat stay juicy. The glaze goes on later, once the chicken has taken on smoke and heat.

This prevents burnt sugar, the most common problem with glazed chicken on the grill. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect. This recipe scales easily, whether you're cooking a small family dinner or loading up the grill for guests.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Bone-In Chicken Thighs. I highly recommend bone-in for the best flavor, but you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless chicken thighs (just reduce the cooking time by 15 minutes).
• Olive Oil. Or avocado oil, to help the dry rub stick.
• Seasoning. I used a simple seasoning of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Peach Jam. Use my homemade Peach Freezer Jam or store-bought peach jam or preserves.
• Honey, Soy Sauce, and Apple Cider Vinegar. These balance sweetness, salt, and acidity so the glaze doesn't taste flat.
• Garlic and Ginger. Fresh is best. Mince the garlic finely and grate the ginger so it melts into the glaze.
• Red Pepper Flakes. This adds a bit of mouth-tingling heat. You can leave it out if you like.

Full ingredient amounts are included in the printable recipe card below.

What to Serve it with

I like to serve it with coconut rice or Instant Pot rice and Smoked Pineapple Wedges or peach slices. It's also great with Smoked Smashed Potatoes or Smoked Baked Potatoes.

You can also turn it into an epic meal with Smoked Mac and Cheese, Miracle Whip Coleslaw, Smoked Baked Beans, and Smoked Corn on the Cob.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover peach chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Leftover Glaze: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a jar or an airtight container.

Can I use this glaze on other meats?

Yes. This peach glaze works well on pork, chicken breasts, and salmon. Apply it toward the end of cooking to avoid burning.

Can I grill this instead of smoking it?

Absolutely. Cook over indirect heat and follow the same glazing timeline.

What pellets work best?

I like to use milder wood pellets like pecan, apple, or cherry. Avoid stronger woods like mesquite, which can overpower the glaze.