This Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken is a delicious mix of sweet peaches and smoky bourbon. It’s perfect for summer grilling and will make everyone at the cookout smile!
Honestly, the smell of this chicken grilling is enough to make you hungry! I love serving it with a side of fresh salad to balance the flavors. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using wings or drumettes for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. They also grill nicely, but adjust the cooking time as needed since breasts may cook faster.
Peach Puree: Fresh ripe peaches are best for this recipe, but if they’re out of season, frozen peaches work too. Just thaw and blend! You could even use canned peach puree in a pinch, but check for added sugar.
Bourbon: Bourbon gives a rich flavor, but any whiskey can work. If you want a non-alcoholic version, substitute with apple juice or peach nectar for sweetness without the bourbon kick.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds sweetness to the BBQ sauce. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey instead, but you might need to adjust the amount since honey is sweeter.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken lies in marination and cooking temperature. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, preferably longer, to allow the flavors to soak in.
- Make sure to toss the chicken in the marinade well to coat evenly.
- While grilling, turn the chicken regularly to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked and flavorful grilled chicken every time!
Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup fresh peach puree (about 2 ripe peaches, peeled and blended)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook on the grill. Don’t forget to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour (or longer for the best flavor)! Altogether, you’ll need about 1 hour and 45 minutes if you include marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
Start by making the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, mix together the peach puree, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
Turn the heat to medium and bring your sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken wings or drumettes and place them in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Pour half of the cooled BBQ sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest for basting later. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly. Now, pop it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (3-4 hours for even better flavor!).
4. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil.
5. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally to get that nice char on all sides.
6. Baste and Finish Cooking:
During the last 10 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken with the reserved peach bourbon BBQ sauce a few times. This will give the chicken a lovely glaze as it cooks and caramelizes. Make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through by ensuring the juices run clear and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve:
Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions on top for garnish. Don’t forget to serve the extra peach bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy this juicy, flavorful grilled chicken with the sweet and smoky notes of peach and bourbon! It’s a perfect dish for summer cookouts or casual dinners. Happy grilling!
FAQ for Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While wings and drumettes are perfect for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs or breasts. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Breasts usually cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach bourbon BBQ sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave and continue with the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the chicken on the grill or in the oven to maintain its juiciness. Just add a bit of the reserved BBQ sauce to keep it flavorful!
What Can I Serve With This Grilled Chicken?
This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with several sides! Consider serving it with fresh salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob. It also makes a great topping for salads or wraps for a delicious meal the next day!
