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Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken: Sweet, Smoky, and Savory Perfection

Delight your taste buds with this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken! Juicy chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy bourbon peach BBQ sauce makes for the ultimate summer grilling dish.
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Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop grill pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or use drumsticks or breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup 240ml peach preserves or jam
  • 1/4 cup 60ml ketchup
  • 1/4 cup 60ml bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
  • Make the Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce:
  • Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Add the peach preserves, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the Grill:
  • Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
  • Grill the Chicken:
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
  • During the last few minutes of cooking, generously brush the chicken with the bourbon peach BBQ sauce. Flip and repeat on the other side, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the grill.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with extra bourbon peach BBQ sauce on the side.