Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Juicy grilled chicken thighs glazed with a smoky bourbon sauce, perfect for a flavorful outdoor meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skin-on 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 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well combined.
- Step 2: Add 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and reserve marinade for glazing.
- Step 4: Place chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 5: Flip chicken and brush with reserved marinade. Grill for another 5-6 minutes, brushing occasionally with more marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs?
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 bourbon whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs?
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 Grilled Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs?
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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