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Flavorful Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs Easy Recipe with Grilled Peaches

honey bourbon bbq chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features juicy, crispy chicken thighs glazed with a smoky-sweet honey bourbon BBQ sauce, paired with fresh grilled peaches for a unique and delicious summer cookout dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (80ml)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240ml), smoky variety or homemade
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large fresh peaches, halved and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes). Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice if using. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking (about 10 minutes).
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook uncovered for 6-8 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  5. Flip chicken carefully and baste the cooked side generously with the honey bourbon glaze. Grill for another 6-8 minutes, basting every few minutes to build a sticky glaze.
  6. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; aim for 165°F. If not done, move chicken to indirect heat and close lid for a few more minutes (total cooking time about 15-20 minutes).
  7. Brush peach halves with olive oil. Place cut side down on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and peaches soften slightly but hold shape.
  8. Serve chicken thighs with grilled peaches alongside. Spoon any remaining glaze over the top.

Notes

Dry chicken skin before seasoning for crispiness. Baste multiple times for a sticky glaze. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness. Manage flare-ups by moving chicken to cooler grill areas. Grill peaches last to avoid overcooking. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For non-grill cooking, bake chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes and pan-sear peaches.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bourbon BBQ chicken, grilled peaches, summer cookout, BBQ chicken thighs, smoky sweet chicken, easy chicken recipe