Iconic Canadian Maple BBQ Chicken Thighs. Sweet Maple. Smoky BBQ. Bold Canadian Flavor. There’s just something about BBQ season in Canada that feels unforgettable. Backyard grills firing up, smoky barbecue scents filling the air, cold drinks on the patio, cottage weekends, family cookouts, and recipes that instantly bring everyone to the table.

This is apart of our Ultimate Canadian Series

And when it comes to iconic Canadian flavors, nothing says Canada quite like maple syrup.

That’s exactly what inspired these Iconic Canadian Maple BBQ Chicken Thighs — juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a rich maple barbecue glaze that’s smoky, sticky, sweet, and packed with bold Canadian flavor.

This recipe combines everything you want in the perfect summer BBQ meal:

• crispy caramelized edges
• smoky grill flavor
• sweet maple glaze
• juicy tender chicken
• easy backyard BBQ cooking

The maple syrup adds that unmistakable Canadian touch while balancing perfectly with smoky BBQ sauce, garlic, paprika, and a little tangy kick from Dijon mustard and vinegar. As the sauce caramelizes over the grill, it creates the most irresistible sticky glaze with beautiful charred edges and deep smoky flavor.

These maple BBQ chicken thighs are the kind of recipe that instantly feels nostalgic while still being exciting enough to stand out at any cookout. Whether you’re grilling for a Canada Day celebration, a family BBQ, summer camping trip, cottage weekend, or just an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with authentic Canadian maple flavor
• Perfect sticky BBQ glaze
• Crispy caramelized grilled edges
• Juicy, tender chicken thighs
• Easy summer BBQ recipe
• Perfect for Canada Day cookouts
• Family-friendly and easy to make

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How To Make this Iconic Canadian Maple BBQ Chicken Thighs

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Set aside while preparing the sauce.

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Step 2: Make the Maple BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together:

• maple syrup
• BBQ sauce
• soy sauce
• apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• garlic
• smoked paprika

Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Reserve some sauce for serving.

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Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).

Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place chicken thighs skin-side down onto the grill.

Cook for 5–6 minutes per side with the lid closed until nicely charred.

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Step 5: Baste with Maple BBQ Sauce

Brush chicken generously with maple BBQ sauce.

Flip and continue basting every few minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

The glaze should become sticky, glossy, and caramelized.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve with extra maple BBQ sauce on the side.

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Tips For The Best Maple BBQ Chicken

• Bone-in chicken thighs stay extra juicy on the grill.
• Use real Canadian maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Don’t sauce too early or the sugars may burn.
• Grill over medium heat for even caramelization.
• Keep extra sauce for dipping and brushing while serving.

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What To Serve With Maple BBQ Chicken Thighs

These pair perfectly with:

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Creamy coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Baked beans
• Grilled vegetables
• Cornbread
• Garlic butter potatoes

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At Canadian Cooking Adventures, I love creating uniquely Canadian-inspired comfort food recipes that celebrate bold flavors, nostalgia, and classic Canadian ingredients in fun and memorable ways. This recipe was proudly created by Canadian Cooking Adventures as an original Canadian-inspired BBQ recipe creation.