Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Mississippi Honey

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a sweet and smoky bourbon-honey glaze inspired by Southern spirits. This american southern-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, Mississippi wildflower honey, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp Mississippi wildflower honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves until fully combined and glossy.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the bourbon-honey marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on the grill.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is caramelized with a shiny glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Mississippi Honey take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Chicken with Mississippi Honey?

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 bourbon whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Mississippi Honey?

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 Grilled Chicken with Mississippi Honey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Chicken with Mississippi Honey?

American Southern 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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