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Crispy Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken Thighs

bourbon peach bbq chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, tender chicken thighs with crispy skin and a sticky, sweet bourbon peach glaze that tastes like summer on a plate. Easy to prepare and perfect for quick dinners or cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (34 lbs / 1.41.8 kg)
  • 2 ripe peaches, peeled and chopped (or frozen peaches, thawed and drained)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (65 g)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil (30 ml)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a blender, combine chopped peaches, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until skin is deep golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour the peach bourbon glaze over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 15-20 minutes, basting once halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Switch oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes for extra sticky, caramelized glaze. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan when searing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Broil at the end for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. If no ovenproof skillet, transfer chicken and glaze to a baking dish after searing. Glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken thighs, bourbon peach glaze, crispy chicken, summer recipe, sticky glaze, easy dinner, cast iron skillet