Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe enticing aroma of summer grilling fills the air as I uncover my secret weapon: Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken. This delightful dish combines succulent chicken, juicy peaches, and a bourbon-infused BBQ glaze, making it the star of any outdoor gathering. What I love most is how easy it is to whip up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying good company and great food instead of stressing in the kitchen. Plus, the sweetness of the peaches perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken, crafting a mouthwatering experience sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also brings a fun twist to your summer cookouts! Curious about how to create your own delicious masterpiece? Let’s dive into the details! Why will you love Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken? Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Flavor Explosion: The fusion of sweet peaches, zesty spices, and bourbon creates a deliciously unique BBQ sauce that stands out at any gathering. Versatility: Use different chicken types like breasts or wings and experiment with seasonal fruits to make it your own. Quick Prep: With most of the work done in just a few simple steps, you can have succulent grilled chicken ready in no time! Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your friends and family with a dish that combines both savory and sweet elements, making it a hit at summer cookouts or casual dinners. For more delightful grilling ideas, check out my recipes for Grilled Mango Chicken or Huli Huli Chicken. Your summer meals will never be the same! Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Ingredients • Get ready to make a delicious grilled masterpiece! For the Chicken Chicken Thighs – Bone-in is juicier, but boneless can be used; cooking time will vary. For the Sauce Fresh Peaches – Essential for sweetness; use high-quality preserves if fresh ones are out of season. Bourbon – Infuses the sauce with warmth; whiskey or brandy can be a good substitute. BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite brand for convenience; homemade can add an extra touch. Sugar – Balances the tartness of the peaches in the sauce. For the Spice Rub Onion Powder – Enhances the depth of flavor. Garlic Powder – Adds necessary aromatics for delicious chicken. Paprika – Gives a slight smokiness that complements grilling. Chili Powder – Adds a kick; adjust based on your heat preference. Cayenne Pepper – For those who like a little extra spice. Salt – Essential for enhancing all flavors. Black Pepper – Adds a touch of warmth; fresh ground is best. With these ingredients ready to go, you’re on your way to creating my mouthwatering Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken! Enjoy the symphony of flavors and the joy of grilling this summer. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-blended, ensuring an even distribution of spices. Generously coat the chicken thighs with this spice rub, making sure every piece is covered for maximum flavor. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the bourbon peach BBQ sauce. Step 2: Make Peach BBQ Sauce In a medium saucepan, add one diced peach and a sprinkle of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes until the peaches soften. Next, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce and bourbon, simmering for an additional 5 minutes. Once combined, remove from heat and puree the sauce until smooth, then set it aside to cool slightly. Step 3: Preheat the Grill Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a range of 375°F to 450°F. This temperature is perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks on your Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect finish for your succulent chicken thighs. Step 4: Grill the Chicken Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grates. Grill each side for about 3-5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a nice char. Brush the chicken thighs with the bourbon peach BBQ sauce during the last minute on each side, allowing it to caramelize beautifully. Step 5: Grill the Peaches While your chicken is resting for a few minutes, take the remaining quartered peaches and lightly brush them with BBQ sauce. Place them on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until you see grill marks and they become tender. This will enhance their sweetness and add a delightful smoky flavor to your dish. Step 6: Serve On a beautiful platter, arrange the grilled chicken thighs and the caramelized peaches. Drizzle any leftover bourbon peach BBQ sauce over the chicken for an extra flavor kick. You can serve this dish with fresh sides like corn salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing summer meal that your family and friends will love. Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Variations Feel free to explore these delightful tweaks that make your grilling adventure even more exciting and personal! Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter to brush on the grilled chicken for a tropical twist. Spice It Up: Add chipotle powder to your spice rub for a smoky, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the peaches. You’ll enjoy an extra layer of flavor that tantalizes the palate. Fruit Swap: Try substituting mango for peaches during the grilling season for a different fruity flavor profile. The lusciousness of grilled mango adds a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. Sweetener Alternate: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup in the sauce for a more natural sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the bourbon. Extra Zest: Incorporate fresh lime juice into the BBQ sauce for a zesty, refreshing tang that brightens up the sweetness of the peaches. Herb Twist: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the spice rub for added aroma and a unique depth of flavor; these herbaceous notes can elevate the entire dish. Grill Master’s Choice: If you love experimenting, try using a different type of meat such as pork tenderloin or ribs, adapting the cooking times accordingly for a new take on your barbecue feast. Smoky Sauce: For those who enjoy something bold, add a splash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce, bringing in a deeper smokiness that takes your grilled chicken to the next level. With these variations in your apron pocket, your summer cookouts will be bursting with flavors! If you’re feeling adventurous, check out my recipe for Chili Lime Chicken or Hawaiian BBQ Chicken for more grilling inspiration. Enjoy the art of customizing and savor the joy it brings! Expert Tips for Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken • Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Avoid frozen options if possible, as they may not grill as well. • Peach Perfection: Select ripe, fragrant peaches to enhance the sweetness in your bourbon peach BBQ sauce. If out of season, high-quality preserves can be a great substitute. • Watch the Heat: Maintain a steady grill temperature between 375°F and 450°F. Too hot can char the chicken while leaving it undercooked inside. • Sauce It Up: Brush the sauce on during the last minute of grilling to create a sticky, caramelized finish that makes the grilled bourbon peach BBQ chicken irresistible. • Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. How to Store and Freeze Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This ensures the flavors stay fresh while preserving juiciness. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap uncooked chicken thighs with spice rub and BBQ sauce in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or on the grill until heated through, making sure to add more BBQ sauce if desired. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the spice rub and BBQ sauce ahead of time, up to 3 days in advance, for quick assembly on grilling day. What to Serve with Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Build a delightful summer feast around your grilled masterpiece, enhancing every bite with delicious sides. Fresh Corn Salad: This vibrant side with sweet corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing provides a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the sticky glaze. Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette adds a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the BBQ chicken. Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers a tender, slightly smoky flavor, complementing the sweet and savory elements of the chicken. Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a bit of crunch is an excellent textural offset, cutting through the richness and adding a burst of flavor. Peach Iced Tea: This refreshing drink echoes the peachiness in the dish and adds a sweet, fruity twist, making every sip a delight. Grilled Flatbreads: Serve warm, pillowy flatbreads perfect for sopping up the bourbon peach BBQ sauce, offering a satisfying hand-held option. These pairings will elevate your summer gatherings and make each meal memorable! Make Ahead Options These Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken pieces are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the spice rub and Bourbon Peach BBQ sauce up to 3 days in advance to save time on busy weeknights. Simply mix the spices in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container, and for the sauce, make it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to cook, season the chicken thighs and grill them fresh for just 3-5 minutes on each side. This way, you’ll enjoy incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken that tastes just as delicious as if it were made from scratch on the spot! Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe FAQs What kind of peaches should I use? Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe as they add natural sweetness to the bourbon peach BBQ sauce. Look for peaches that give lightly to the touch with a fragrant aroma. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can substitute them with high-quality peach preserves, which work remarkably well. How should I store the leftovers? You can store leftover grilled bourbon peach BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help keep the flavors fresh while retaining the chicken’s juiciness. Just be sure to allow the chicken to cool before sealing to prevent condensation. Can I freeze the chicken? Definitely! For longer storage, wrap uncooked chicken thighs seasoned with the spice rub and BBQ sauce in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to avoid freezer burn. It can safely be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then proceed to grill as per the instructions. What if my chicken is undercooked? If you find that your chicken isn’t fully cooked after the specified grilling time, simply return it to the grill. Cover and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F for safe consumption. If you’re using a thicker cut, it may need a few extra minutes, so keep monitoring! Can I use different types of chicken? Very! You can substitute chicken thighs with leaner options like chicken breasts or even wings. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary – thinner breast pieces will generally cook faster, while wings may take a bit longer, so adjust your grilling time accordingly. Is this recipe suitable for my kids? Absolutely, this grilling masterpiece is kid-friendly! The bourbon in the sauce cooks off, leaving behind a sweet flavor that both children and adults love. Just make sure to adjust the spice levels based on your family’s heat tolerance, or feel free to omit the cayenne pepper if you’d like a milder dish. Savor Sweet Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken This Summer Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken is an easy and delicious recipe that combines juicy chicken, sweet peaches, and a bourbon-infused glaze. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Chicken Thighs Bone-in is juicier, but boneless can be used.For the Sauce2 pieces Fresh Peaches Essential for sweetness; use preserves if fresh are out of season.1/2 cup Bourbon Infuses the sauce with warmth.1 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite brand for convenience.1 tablespoon Sugar Balances the tartness of the peaches.For the Spice Rub1 teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances the depth of flavor.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Adds necessary aromatics.1 teaspoon Paprika Gives a slight smokiness.1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adds a kick; adjust based on preference.1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Add for extra spice.1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Fresh ground is best. Equipment grillmedium saucepanSmall Bowl Method PreparationIn a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-blended and coat the chicken thighs.In a medium saucepan, add one diced peach and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, stir in BBQ sauce and bourbon, simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then puree.Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F), ensuring grates are clean and oiled.Grill chicken thighs for 3-5 minutes per side or until charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last minute.Brush quartered peaches with BBQ sauce and grill for 1-2 minutes per side until tender.Serve grilled chicken on a platter with caramelized peaches and drizzle any leftover sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg NotesChoose quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Select ripe peaches to enhance the sweetness in the sauce. Maintain grill temperature for even cooking. 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