If you love the irresistible marriage of sweet fruitiness and smoky barbecue, you are going to adore this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that bursts with rich, layered flavors—all centered around a luscious peach and bourbon-infused BBQ sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, the result is perfectly juicy meat laced with complex, vibrant notes of caramelized bourbon and fresh peaches. This recipe turns a simple weeknight dinner into a cozy, flavor-packed feast you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in balancing sweet, savory, and smoky flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. You’ll see how simple pantry staples and fresh elements come together to create such a memorable dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; both soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- Olive oil: Helps with browning and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the chicken’s natural flavor and enhance the sauce.
- Peach preserves or jam: The star ingredient that gives the BBQ sauce its sweet, fruity base.
- Ketchup: Adds tanginess and body to the BBQ sauce.
- Bourbon: Brings deep caramel notes and a subtle warmth to the sauce, elevating the peach flavor beautifully.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the sauce’s sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Offers umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers smokiness that mimics classic BBQ flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a hint of heat in their BBQ.
How to Make Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce
Start by combining peach preserves, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring it up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to meld all those wonderful flavors. Once simmering, turn the heat to low and let it thicken slightly over 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering process concentrates the sweet peaches and bourbon into a glossy, rich sauce that will coat the chicken marvelously.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry with paper towels—that dry surface helps you get a great sear or grill marks. Then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned beneath that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
You’ve got options here depending on your mood or equipment. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium and oil the grates so nothing sticks. Grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes per side, brushing with the bourbon peach BBQ sauce in the final few minutes to build layers of flavor and caramelization. If baking, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C), lay the chicken in a baking dish, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, basting with sauce during the last 10 minutes. Or pan-sear by heating olive oil over medium heat, cooking the chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side while spooning on the sauce near the end. Whichever method you choose, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and look beautifully glazed.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause lets the juices redistribute, keeping each bite tender and juicy. Serve by drizzling extra bourbon peach BBQ sauce on top and pairing with your favorite sides. This finishing touch makes each mouthful delightfully saucy and flavorful.
How to Serve Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the deep flavors. Adding thin slices of fresh peaches can echo the star component in a bright, textural way.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside classic BBQ sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or roasted seasonal vegetables. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce. For a casual gathering, slice the chicken and pile it onto slider buns with slaw for irresistible BBQ sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain that bold, juicy flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers longer, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quick but be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if cooked a bit longer, and they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Is bourbon necessary in this recipe?
The bourbon adds a distinct caramel and smoky depth that really makes the sauce stand out, but if you prefer, you can substitute with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic twist.
How spicy is the barbecue sauce?
The cayenne pepper is optional and only adds a gentle warmth if you include it. You can adjust or omit it entirely based on your spice preference.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes better after resting overnight, as the flavors meld even more. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
Making the Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe is a joyous experience filled with layers of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that will brighten up any dinner table. Whether it’s a simple weeknight meal or part of a festive spread, this chicken recipe promises to become a cherished favorite. So light up the grill, fire up the stove, and prepare to savor every delightful bite! You won’t regret bringing this beautiful dish into your culinary rotation.
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Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs brushed with a homemade bourbon-infused peach BBQ sauce. The sauce balances sweetness from peach preserves with tangy ketchup and a smoky, slightly spicy kick from smoked paprika and cayenne. This dish can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared, making it flexible for any cooking preference. It’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a festive weekend gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup peach preserves or jam
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine peach preserves, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat while stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and aid in browning.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose one of the following methods:
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium heat and grease grates to prevent sticking. Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with the bourbon peach BBQ sauce during the last few minutes, cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce during the final 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Pan-Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce in the last minutes until cooked through. - Serve: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. Drizzle additional bourbon peach BBQ sauce on top. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Enjoy: Savor the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors of this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.
- The bourbon in the sauce adds depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version; consider substituting with apple juice or additional vinegar.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- This sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 5 days.
