Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet-smoky glaze made with Kentucky bourbon, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, bourbon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Pour over chicken.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened to a glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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