This Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken is a tasty summer treat! The juicy chicken gets a wonderful glaze from the peach and bourbon mix, giving it a sweet and smoky flavor that everyone will love.
Honestly, I can’t resist the combination of peaches and bourbon—it’s like a summer party on your plate! I love grilling extra for leftovers; it makes great sandwiches the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken wings or drumettes are perfect for grilling since they get crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
Peach Preserves: They add sweetness and depth to the sauce. If you can’t find peach preserves, you can substitute with apricot preserves or even mango chutney for a different twist.
Bourbon: Adds a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have bourbon, you can use whiskey or dark rum instead. For a non-alcoholic version, try using peach juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. You can switch it with regular paprika or cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat.
How to Ensure Your Chicken Wings are Crispy on the Grill?
Getting crispy chicken wings requires a few tips. Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels. This helps reduce moisture, which can steam rather than crisp the skin.
- Preheat your grill well and keep the temperature consistent at medium-high.
- Arrange wings in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. This ensures even cooking.
- Turn the wings regularly to prevent burning but avoid flipping too often. Aim for a golden-brown color.
Finally, generously basting with the sauce during the last few minutes helps create that sticky, caramelized finish we all love!
Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
- For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For Garnish:
- 1-2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delicious grill recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 375-400°F. This will help to get those nice grill marks on the chicken and ensure it cooks evenly.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together the peach preserves, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry. This helps them get nice and crispy on the grill!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken wings on the grill in a single layer. Let them cook for about 15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
5. Brush with Sauce:
In the last 5 minutes of grilling, generously brush the peach bourbon BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken wings. Keep turning and basting every 1-2 minutes to create that delicious sticky glaze—just be careful to avoid flare-ups from the sauce!
6. Check for Doneness:
Once the chicken wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the sauce looks caramelized and sticky, they’re ready to come off the grill.
7. Serve:
Transfer your perfectly grilled chicken wings to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve these scrumptious chicken wings immediately, along with extra peach bourbon sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for some tasty compliments!
Enjoy your delicious, sweet, smoky, and tangy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While wings and drumettes are recommended for their crispiness and flavor, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time; chicken thighs will take a little longer to cook through.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it on a low setting or warm it in the oven until heated through. For the best texture, consider reheating in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the skin crispy.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the peach bourbon BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove before brushing it onto the chicken!
What Can I Serve with Grilled Chicken?
This peach bourbon BBQ grilled chicken is delicious served with a side of coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. You can also pair it with cornbread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
