Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Lexington Bluegrass Vegetables

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

Tender chicken thighs roasted with a rich bourbon glaze paired with fresh seasonal vegetables inspired by Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs 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 450 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: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with foil. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp fresh thyme until smooth and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pat 6 bone-in chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 3 peeled and chopped carrots and 1 lb halved baby potatoes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on one side of the sheet pan and spread vegetables evenly on the other side. Brush chicken generously with half the bourbon glaze.
  4. Step 4: Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, then brush chicken again with remaining glaze and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and vegetables are tender and caramelized.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Lexington Bluegrass Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Lexington Bluegrass Vegetables?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Lexington Bluegrass Vegetables?

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 Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Lexington Bluegrass Vegetables 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 Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Lexington Bluegrass Vegetables?

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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