This Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! It combines sweet peaches with a splash of bourbon for a tasty twist on your usual BBQ.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good grilled chicken? The peach sauce is sticky and delicious! I like serving it with some fresh salad for a refreshing kick. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using wings for that crispy texture, but thighs or drumsticks work just as well if you prefer dark meat. Just remember, cooking times may vary slightly with different cuts.
Peach Puree: Fresh peaches give the best taste. If they’re not in season, you can use canned peaches (just drain them) or even peach preserves for added sweetness. I often mix in a bit of mango for variety!
Bourbon: This adds a nice depth to the sauce. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try using apple juice or non-alcoholic whiskey. It won’t have the same kick, but it’s still tasty!
Brown Sugar: For a healthier option, you can swap it with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount since they are sweeter. Brown sugar also adds moisture, so keep that in mind.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional if you’re not into spicy. You could add black pepper for a mild kick instead. I like to keep it mild for family gatherings!
How Do I Get My Chicken Juicy and Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right steps, it’s easy! First, always pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a nice crust. Make sure the grill is preheated well – medium-high heat is key for good searing.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side. This timing is important to prevent drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- During the last 5 minutes, glaze with the peach bourbon sauce, turning frequently to get that sticky finish.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling also helps keep it juicy. Just a few minutes will do the trick!
Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs chicken wings or chicken pieces
For the Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh peach puree (about 2 ripe peaches, peeled and blended)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. Including time for the sauce to thicken, you should be ready to serve in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the peach puree, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you like a kick), salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it simmers. Let it cook for around 15–20 minutes until it becomes thick and delicious. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken wings or pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better! Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Use a brush to apply olive oil to the grill grates, which keeps the chicken from sticking. We want that perfect sear!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is nicely charred and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on it! You want that perfect golden brown.
5. Baste with Sauce:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush a generous amount of the peach bourbon BBQ sauce onto the chicken. Turn the chicken a few times to give it that sticky glaze. The smell will be irresistible!
6. Rest and Serve:
When the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions over the top for a fresh finish. Serve with any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your juicy, smoky grilled chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of peach bourbon BBQ!
FAQ for Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before grilling. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight, or you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Sugar?
To reduce sugar, substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. You can also use unsweetened peach preserves, which provide natural sweetness without added sugars. Just adjust to taste!
What Other Fruits Can I Use for the BBQ Sauce?
If peaches aren’t available, try substituting with other fruits like apricots or mangos. You can blend them just like the peaches for a unique twist! Pineapple can also add a tangy sweetness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you have extra sauce, keep it in a separate container for dipping!
