Grilled Bourbon-Marinated Chicken with Kentucky Honey Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a bourbon and spice blend, topped with a sweet honey glaze inspired by Kentucky’s iconic flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have char marks.
  5. Step 5: While chicken grills, combine 3 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring until glossy and syrupy.
  6. Step 6: Brush the warm honey glaze generously over the grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bourbon-Marinated Chicken with Kentucky Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Marinated Chicken with Kentucky Honey Glaze?

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-Marinated Chicken with Kentucky Honey Glaze?

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-Marinated Chicken with Kentucky Honey Glaze 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-Marinated Chicken with Kentucky Honey Glaze?

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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