Bourbon-Infused Smoked Chicken with Peach Salsa
Tender chicken thighs smoked to perfection with a bourbon glaze, served with a sweet-tart peach salsa featuring local Georgia peaches for a Southern-inspired main course. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 160 minutes blends chicken thighs, bourbon, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups peaches
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 lbs chicken thighs dry and rub with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Smoke at 225°F (107°C) for 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 2: While chicken smokes, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until syrupy and reduced by half.
- Step 3: Slice 2 cups diced peaches, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup diced red onion. Toss with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Brush the reduced bourbon glaze evenly over smoked chicken thighs, then return to smoker for 10 minutes to set the glaze.
- Step 5: Serve chicken with a generous spoonful of peach salsa on the side, ensuring each piece has a glossy, caramelized coating.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Infused Smoked Chicken with Peach Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 160 minutes (20 min prep + 140 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Bourbon-Infused Smoked Chicken with Peach Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Infused Smoked Chicken with Peach Salsa?
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 Smoked Chicken with Peach Salsa 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-Infused Smoked Chicken with Peach Salsa?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
