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1
Heat a smoker to 300 F.
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2
Using poultry shears, remove the knuckle on each end of each chicken thigh bone.
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3
Then trim the excess fat off the skin and meat of each thigh until the pieces are 3 to 4 inches wide, leaving about 1/4 inch of excess skin at the edges of the meat.
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4
Apply the chicken rub evenly to both sides of the thighs.
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5
In the cupcake mold, place each thigh, skin side down, in an individual cup.
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6
Sit the mold in the baking pan, and pour the chicken broth into the pan, being careful not to pour it directly on top of the chicken.
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7
Place the pan in the smoker and cook, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours.
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8
Remove the baking pan from the smoker.
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9
Gently flip the thighs onto the baking sheet.
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10
Season the tops of the thighs with salt and pepper.
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11
Return the thighs to the mold cups, skin side up, and put the baking pan back in the smoker.
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12
Cook for 45 minutes.
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13
Meanwhile, make the sauce: Put all the sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until thoroughly combined.
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14
In a medium pan over medium heat, warm the sauce until it is hot but not boiling.
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15
Set aside.
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16
Remove the pan from the smoker, and unmold the chicken thighs onto the baking sheet, skin side up.
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17
Brush the thighs lightly with the warm sauce.
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18
Place the baking sheet in the smoker and cook for 30 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize into the chicken skin.
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19
Remove the baking sheet from the smoker, and serve the cupcake chicken immediately.