Bourbon-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs marinated in bourbon and herbs that imbue every bite with smoky-sweet depth, served with roasted vegetables. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp bourbon, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add 12 oz bone-in chicken thighs, coating evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced zucchini onto skewers, brush with 1 tsp olive oil, and season with 1/8 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Grill chicken thighs for 10-12 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then grill vegetables for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp, turning once.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs?
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-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs 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-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs?
American grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to grilling dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
