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Flavorful Small Batch Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe for Grilled Chicken

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A quick and easy peach bourbon BBQ sauce that combines the sweetness of peach preserves with the smoky warmth of bourbon, perfect for grilled chicken and small backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup peach preserves
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, pour ½ cup peach preserves, ¼ cup bourbon, and ½ cup ketchup. Stir gently to blend, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the vinegars and sauces: Stir in 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine.
  3. Mix in the dry spices: Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir continuously over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes.
  4. Simmer gently: Bring the sauce to a low simmer, stirring often. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Taste and adjust: Sample the sauce carefully and add more salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed. Thin with a splash of water or bourbon if too thick.
  6. Cool and store: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Keep heat moderate to avoid burning the sugars. Stir often to prevent sticking. For a chunkier sauce, stir gently and leave some peach pieces whole. Brush sauce on chicken during the last 5 minutes of grilling to avoid burning. Sauce thickens as it cools; thin with water or bourbon if needed when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach bourbon BBQ sauce, grilled chicken sauce, small batch BBQ sauce, peach preserves sauce, bourbon BBQ sauce, summer BBQ sauce