This juicy grilled chicken gets a tasty twist with peach and bourbon. The sweet and smoky sauce makes each bite a delight. Perfect for summer BBQs!
Whenever I fire up the grill, this recipe is a must. The smell of peaches and spices cooking makes my neighbors jealous! 😄 Pair it with a salad for a fresh meal.
It’s super simple to whip up, and I love how the chicken stays tender and flavorful. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy those summer vibes with every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using chicken wings for that crispy texture, but drumettes or even chicken thighs work great too! If you want a healthier option, try skinless chicken breasts.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves add sweetness and flavor. You can substitute with apricot jam or a different fruit preserve if peaches are not available.
Bourbon Whiskey: The bourbon gives depth and warmth. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice or a peach-flavored soda for a fruity twist!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess. You could use white vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative.
Spices: Smoked paprika is great for that smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can do the trick!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but following a few simple steps makes it easy. First, ensure your grill is preheated properly on medium-high for nice grill marks and a juicy inside.
- Marinate for at least an hour – the longer, the better for flavor!
- Shake off excess marinade to avoid flare-ups while grilling.
- Turn the chicken regularly for even cooking, about every 5-7 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – chicken should reach 165°F.
- Baste with sauce during the last few minutes for a glaze that’s packed with flavor!
These tips will help you serve up wonderfully grilled chicken that’s bursting with tasty peach bourbon goodness! Enjoy your BBQ!
Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken wings or drumettes
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh green onions, chopped
For Grilling:
- Olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the BBQ sauce, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating the chicken. After that, grilling will take around 20-25 minutes. So, plan on about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total, with active cooking being quite short!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the peach preserves, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens up nicely. Once done, take it off the heat and set it aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put your chicken wings or drumettes into a large bowl. Pour about half of the prepared peach bourbon BBQ sauce over the chicken. Toss everything together to make sure the chicken is well-coated in that sweet sauce. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, marinating for up to 4 hours will add even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken marinates, get your grill ready. Heat it up to medium-high heat. Before placing the chicken on, give the grill grates a light oiling to keep the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess sauce. Now place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook it for about 20-25 minutes, making sure to turn the chicken every few minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks. In the last 5 minutes of grilling, use the remaining BBQ sauce to baste the chicken for that extra burst of flavor!
5. Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F, transfer it to a serving platter. Top it with chopped fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Don’t forget to serve some extra peach bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy peach bourbon BBQ grilled chicken!
FAQ for Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken wings are fantastic for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. If you prefer a healthier option, skinless chicken breasts will work too, but adjust the grilling time since they may cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
No problem! You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice, peach nectar, or even a peach-flavored soda for a delicious non-alcoholic version. The sweet flavor will still shine through!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour and as long as 4 hours. If you want to marinate it longer than that, it’s best to do it in the fridge and keep an eye on the acidity from the vinegar, which can start to affect the texture of the chicken if left too long.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the microwave or on a grill until heated through. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
