Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Maple Bourbon Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a sweet and smoky whiskey-maple glaze, perfect for a comforting dinner. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skin-on chicken thighs, maple syrup, bourbon whiskey 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. 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 3 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika evenly over 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs. Reserve half of the maple bourbon mixture for glazing.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side, basting with the reserved glaze every 2 minutes. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze thickens and caramelizes slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Maple Bourbon Sauce 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 Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Maple Bourbon Sauce?

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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Maple Bourbon Sauce?

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 Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Maple Bourbon Sauce 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 Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Maple Bourbon Sauce?

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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