Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa

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

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a smoky bourbon sauce paired with a fresh, charred corn salsa bursting with bright flavors. This american-inspired chicken (lowcarb) ready in about 35 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves to make the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Place on the grill skin side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and charred.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and brush the skin side generously with the bourbon glaze. Continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, basting every 2 minutes with more glaze, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, place 2 cups fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the charred corn, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño. Toss gently and season with salt to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve the bourbon-glazed chicken thighs hot, topped with a generous scoop of the charred corn salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa?

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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa 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.

Is Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa lowcarb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged lowcarb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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