Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Peach Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a sweet bourbon glaze paired with a fresh peach salsa for a perfect Derby-inspired dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends bone-in 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 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves until sugar dissolves to make the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour half of the bourbon glaze over them, tossing to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the peach salsa by combining 2 diced ripe peaches, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and season lightly with additional salt and pepper.
  5. Step 5: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crisp and charred, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes while brushing with remaining bourbon glaze. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with fresh peach salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Peach Salsa 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Peach Salsa?

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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