Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs brushed with a smoky bourbon glaze, complemented by a fresh and tangy charred pineapple salsa. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, 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 410 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the bourbon glaze.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 8 bone-in chicken thighs and brush generously with half of the bourbon glaze. Set aside the remaining glaze for basting.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 7 minutes until skin is crisp and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken thighs and brush with remaining bourbon glaze. Continue grilling for another 7-10 minutes, turning and basting every 3 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and thighs are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While chicken cooks, brush 1 medium peeled and sliced pineapple with 2 tbsp olive oil. Grill pineapple over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Chop grilled pineapple into small pieces and combine in a bowl with 1/2 finely diced red onion, 1 minced seeded jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Step 7: Serve grilled bourbon-glazed chicken thighs topped with the charred pineapple salsa for a balance of smoky and fresh flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

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.

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