Smoked Bourbon Chicken with Peach Glaze

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

Tender chicken thighs smothered in a sweet-smoky bourbon-peach glaze, finished with a hint of smoked paprika for authentic Southern depth. This southern-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bourbon, peach preserves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, add bourbon and peach preserves, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  4. Step 4: Uncover, stir in smoked paprika and minced garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Bourbon Chicken with Peach Glaze 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 Smoked Bourbon Chicken with Peach 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Bourbon Chicken with Peach 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 Smoked Bourbon Chicken with Peach Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Smoked Bourbon Chicken with Peach Glaze?

Southern grilling 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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