Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Kentucky River Herb Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a sweet bourbon glaze, paired with a fresh herb salad inspired by the Kentucky River region. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 3 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, 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: 20 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves until sugar dissolves. Reserve 1/4 cup of this bourbon glaze for basting later.
  2. Step 2: Place 8 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour in the remaining bourbon glaze. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and place skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved bourbon glaze, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is caramelized.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, toss 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 3 tbsp olive oil. Season the herb salad with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled bourbon-glazed chicken thighs hot alongside the refreshing Kentucky River herb salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Kentucky River Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Kentucky River Herb Salad?

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 Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Kentucky River Herb Salad?

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 with Kentucky River Herb Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 with Kentucky River Herb Salad?

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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