This Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken is a tasty dish that’s perfect for summer grilling. The sweet peach and smoky bourbon blend make each bite so juicy and flavorful!
Honestly, who can resist a little BBQ magic? I love serving this chicken with a side of fresh corn—it’s like a summer party on your plate! 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken wings or drumettes for this recipe as they get beautifully crispy and juicy on the grill. If you’re a fan of boneless meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute, too!
Peach Preserves: You can swap peach preserves for any fruit jam, like apricot or even mango, for a different flavor. Just ensure it has a similar sweetness to peach preserves.
Bourbon: If bourbon isn’t your thing, use apple juice or peach nectar for a more kid-friendly version. You could also try non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives available on the market.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smokey flavor, but you can replace it with regular paprika or chipotle powder for extra heat. Adjust to your taste!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Getting juicy and evenly cooked grilled chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat the Grill: Always make sure your grill is hot before adding chicken. This helps get that nice char and seals in the juices.
- Don’t Crowd the Grill: Space out your chicken pieces. This gives each piece enough room to cook evenly, preventing steaming.
- Baste Wisely: Brush the sauce during the last portion of cooking. This way, it caramelizes and doesn’t burn. Too much sauce too early can lead to charring!
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender and flavorful grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your BBQ feast!
Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh peaches, sliced (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes in total, which includes around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy option for a tasty weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ!
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, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
2. Simmer Sauce:
Now, heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare Chicken:
While the sauce is simmering, pat the chicken wings dry with some paper towels. Toss them in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to give them flavor.
4. Preheat Grill:
Next, get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat, which is around 375-400°F. Make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the chicken.
5. Grill Chicken:
Place the chicken wings on the hot grill. Cook for about 8 minutes on one side to get a nice sear.
6. Baste and Flip:
After 8 minutes, flip the wings over and brush them generously with the peach bourbon BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for another 8-10 minutes, basting occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
7. Serve:
Once done, transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate. To add a touch of freshness, sprinkle with sliced green onions right before serving.
8. Optional:
For extra flair, you can serve fresh peach slices on the side or offer some additional BBQ sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and flavorful Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken! Perfect for sharing with family and friends! 🍑🍗
FAQ for Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While wings and drumettes work great for grilling, you can also use chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—breasts typically take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with apple juice or peach nectar for a non-alcoholic version. This will still give you a sweet and fruity flavor without the alcohol content.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This peach bourbon BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. For a heartier option, serve it with rice or cornbread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
