Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken

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I still remember the first time I tried this recipe. The kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of grilled peaches and spices blending together. I had been experimenting with fruity BBQ sauces for a while, but nothing came close to this one. The sweetness of fresh peaches paired with the smoky grilled chicken created magic on the plate. It quickly became a family favorite, especially during summer gatherings. Every time I serve it, the table goes quiet because everyone’s too busy savoring each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this grilled peach BBQ chicken. First, the combination of flavors is simply unforgettable. The peaches bring a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the spices in the rub. The BBQ sauce adds a smoky depth, while the grilled chicken turns juicy and tender.

This recipe is also a perfect choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you are hosting a backyard party or preparing a simple family meal, it works beautifully.

Another reason is its simplicity. Even if you are not very experienced in cooking, you can easily follow the steps. The instructions are clear, and the ingredients are easy to find in most kitchens.

Versatile

One of the things I appreciate most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, with or without the skin. This makes it adaptable to your preferences or dietary needs. Also, you can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of cayenne pepper in the rub.

The peach BBQ sauce itself is also versatile. You can use it with other grilled meats, such as beef or turkey, or even as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe is also quite budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are usually an affordable option, and peaches are in season during summer months, making them both flavorful and economical. Plus, the other ingredients, like spices and BBQ sauce, are likely already in your pantry.

Ingredients for Recipe

  • 6 chicken thighs (boneless, skin on or off)

  • 3 peaches (cored, quartered)

  • 1 peach (skin off, cored, diced)

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    How to Make This Recipe

    Making this grilled peach BBQ chicken is easier than you might think. The steps are simple, and the results are absolutely rewarding. You will begin by preparing a flavorful spice rub, followed by making a homemade peach BBQ sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. Finally, you will grill everything to perfection.

    Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

    First, you need to prepare the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Once combined, rub this spice mixture evenly onto the chicken thighs. This step is very important because it ensures the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors during grilling.

    Next, it’s time to make the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, place the diced peach and sugar together. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for around five minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The peach will soften and release its natural sweetness.

    Now, add the BBQ sauce and lemon juice to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for another five minutes. The flavors will begin to blend beautifully. After simmering, carefully blend the sauce using an immersion blender until smooth. If you prefer, you can also use a regular blender. Once blended, set the sauce aside and let it cool slightly.

    After preparing the sauce, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs onto the grill. Grill each side for three to five minutes to develop a nice char. This step will seal in the juices and enhance the smoky flavor.

    Now comes the fun part. Brush a generous layer of the peach BBQ sauce onto the chicken thighs. Grill each side for an additional minute to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly. Then, repeat this step by brushing on another coating of the sauce. Cook the chicken for another minute per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest. This will help the juices redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.

    Quick and Easy

    Although this dish looks and tastes gourmet, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. The preparation time is minimal, with most of the work happening while grilling. In just thirty-five minutes, you can serve a meal that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

    Customizable

    This recipe is also highly customizable. If you want a spicier version, simply increase the cayenne pepper in the spice rub. You can also add a dash of chili flakes to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick. For a milder dish, reduce the spices slightly and focus more on the sweetness of the peaches.

    You can also swap chicken thighs for other proteins like beef or turkey. The sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, making it easy to adapt this recipe for different dietary needs.

    Crowd-Pleasing

    Whenever I serve this grilled peach BBQ chicken, it’s an instant hit. The sweet and smoky sauce, combined with juicy, tender chicken, always leaves people asking for seconds. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, cookouts, or even a cozy dinner at home.

    Because it’s both simple and satisfying, you can easily double the recipe to serve a larger group. The ingredients are affordable, and the preparation is straightforward, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something special. The balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors makes it truly unforgettable.

    FAQs

    Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
    Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh peaches are not available. However, fresh peaches provide a brighter and more natural flavor.

    Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
    Absolutely! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or bake it in the oven. Simply bake at 400°F until the chicken reaches 165°F, then broil briefly for a charred effect.

    How can I make the sauce less sweet?
    You can reduce the sugar slightly or use less ripe peaches for a more subtle sweetness.

    Can I prepare the BBQ sauce in advance?
    Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it slightly before using.

    Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
    Definitely! You can grill the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently and enjoy.

    Print

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    Grilled Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken

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    Print Recipe

    This grilled peach BBQ chicken brings together the natural sweetness of fresh peaches with smoky, juicy chicken. It is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    • 6 chicken thighs (boneless, skin on or off)

    • 3 peaches (cored, quartered)

    • 1 peach (skin off, cored, diced)

    • 1 teaspoon sugar

    • ½ cup BBQ sauce

    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

    • 1 teaspoon onion powder

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1 teaspoon paprika

    • 1 teaspoon chili powder

    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs with this spice rub evenly.

    • In a small saucepan, combine the diced peach and sugar. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

    • Add the BBQ sauce and lemon juice to the saucepan. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, then blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Set aside.

    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the seasoned chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side to develop a char.

    • Brush the peach BBQ sauce over the chicken, grilling for 1 minute on each side. Repeat this process by adding another layer of sauce and grilling for an additional minute on each side. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

    • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest. Meanwhile, brush the quartered peaches with the BBQ sauce and grill them for 1 to 2 minutes per side.

    • Serve the chicken with the grilled peaches and additional sauce on the side.

    Notes

    • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.

    • Sauce can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.

    • Use beef or turkey instead of chicken, if preferred.

    • Author: Layla
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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