This Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken slathered in a sweet, tangy peach and bourbon sauce makes it perfect for any cookout.
Who doesn’t love a good BBQ? This chicken is not just easy to make, but it also brings a lovely fruity twist. I enjoy serving it with grilled veggies for a total summer vibe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using chicken wings for this recipe as they grill up beautifully. However, you can also use drumsticks or thighs if that’s what you have on hand. Both cuts will work just fine!
Peach Puree: Fresh ripe peaches are the best for this, but if peaches are out of season, canned peaches in juice can be a handy substitute. Just make sure to drain them well!
Bourbon: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can swap out the bourbon for apple juice or a mix of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to maintain that sweet flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: For a healthier option, you can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. This will add a lovely depth to your BBQ sauce!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Grilled Perfectly?
Grilling chicken wings can be tricky if you want them juicy and tender. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill. This helps achieve that perfect char while keeping the inside juicy.
- Pat Dry: Make sure to dry your chicken with paper towels before oiling them. This helps the skin get crispy!
- Monitor Cooking Time: Grill wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them often. This ensures even cooking without burning.
- Baste Wisely: Apply the BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes of grilling. This prevents it from burning while allowing a nice glaze to form!
Using these simple techniques will give you perfectly grilled chicken every time. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup fresh peach puree (from about 2-3 ripe peaches)
- 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to grill, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking the BBQ sauce. Overall, you can enjoy your Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peach Puree:
Start by peeling and pitting the fresh peaches. You can easily do this by blanching them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. The skins will slip right off! Next, blend the peeled peaches in a food processor or blender until you have a smooth puree.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the freshly made peach puree with bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want a little heat). Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Once cooked, set it aside to cool a bit.
4. Prep the Chicken:
While the sauce cools, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels—this helps achieve crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken wings on the grill grate and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them every 5 minutes to ensure they cook through and get that lovely char.
6. Baste with Sauce:
During the last 10 minutes of grilling, generously baste the wings with the peach bourbon BBQ sauce. Rotate the wings frequently to allow the sauce to caramelize without burning.
7. Serve:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Top it off with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve any extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your deliciously sweet and tangy Peach Bourbon BBQ Grilled Chicken—a perfect dish for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating and grilling. I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge or using the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them gently on the grill or stovetop to keep them crispy.
Can I Make the BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the peach bourbon BBQ sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before using it, give it a quick stir or warm it slightly on the stove if it thickens too much while stored.
What Can I Serve With This Chicken?
This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. It’s also fantastic with rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce!
