Smoky Bourbon Honey Chicken Skewers with Peach Salsa

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in smoky bourbon and honey, paired with a fresh and zesty peach salsa for a summertime treat. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends bourbon whiskey, honey, smoked paprika 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 320 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: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the peach salsa by combining 2 diced fresh peaches, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 tsp minced seeded jalapeño, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and stir gently. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with the chilled peach salsa spooned over or alongside.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Bourbon Honey Chicken Skewers with Peach Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoky Bourbon Honey Chicken Skewers with Peach 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 Honey Chicken Skewers with Peach 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 Honey Chicken Skewers with Peach 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.

What goes well with Smoky Bourbon Honey Chicken Skewers with Peach Salsa?

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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