Citrus-Soaked Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bourbon and citrus glaze, then pan-seared to caramelized perfection with a bright, tangy finish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Season 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Place them in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken thighs and pour reserved marinade into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 15-18 minutes, basting occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and the glaze thickens and coats the thighs.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a serving platter, spoon extra glaze from the pan over the top, and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Soaked Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Citrus-Soaked Bourbon Glazed 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 bourbon whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Soaked Bourbon Glazed 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 Citrus-Soaked Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Citrus-Soaked Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs?

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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