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Flavorful Sticky Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe with Perfect Peach Glaze

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This recipe features juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey bourbon glaze with a fresh peach twist, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for summer grilling or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) raw honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) good-quality bourbon
  • 2 medium fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lightly coat each piece with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced peaches, honey, bourbon, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently and simmer until peaches break down and mixture thickens to a syrupy glaze, about 12–15 minutes. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). If using charcoal, arrange coals for indirect heat.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat. Grill for 4–6 minutes until skin crisps and has char marks. Flip and cook the other side for about 3 minutes.
  5. Move chicken to indirect heat. Brush a generous layer of peach bourbon glaze over the skin side. Close grill lid and cook for 10–12 minutes, brushing additional glaze every 3–4 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to keep juicy and allow glaze to set.
  7. Serve warm, spooning any leftover glaze over the chicken and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Dry chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Apply glaze in thin layers gradually to avoid burning. Use indirect heat for glazing steps. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Wood chips can be added for extra smoky flavor. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, honey bourbon chicken, peach glaze, summer grilling, sticky chicken, smoky chicken, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/flavorful-sticky-honey-bourbon-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-perfect-peach-glaze/