Smoked Peach Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs coated in a smoky-sweet bourbon-peach glaze, finished with a hint of citrus for a Southern-inspired centerpiece dish. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs pounds bone-in chicken thighs, tablespoon smoked paprika, tablespoons honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken, transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons bourbon, 1/4 cup peach preserves, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven, brush generously with peach bourbon glaze, and let rest 5 minutes before serving with extra glaze on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Peach Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Peach Chicken Thighs with Bourbon 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 pounds bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Peach Chicken Thighs with Bourbon 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 Peach Chicken Thighs with Bourbon 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 Smoked Peach Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze?

Southern 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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