Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken
When I first put this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken together, I had a feeling it would be good, but I wasn’t prepared for just how phenomenal the flavors would be. The sweet juiciness of ripe peaches melts perfectly into the bold smokiness of bourbon and tangy barbecue sauce. It turned into one of those meals that made my entire kitchen smell like summer in the South.
I used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe, and they came out incredibly juicy with a golden sear and caramelized glaze. The peaches soften and soak in the sauce as everything bakes together, turning each bite into a sweet and sticky explosion of flavor. This dish feels like something you’d get at a backyard cookout with a chef-level upgrade.
What surprised me most was how quickly it came together. After a short sear on the stove, everything finishes in the oven, and you’re left with a one-pan wonder that looks as impressive as it tastes. It’s a perfect dinner for family nights, date nights, or anytime you want to wow someone without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken
This dish is a juicy, saucy masterpiece. The bourbon adds a bold, slightly smoky depth, while the peach preserves and fresh peaches give it that sweet Southern charm. The barbecue sauce brings everything together in one cohesive, finger-licking coating. You can control the heat too, adding a little chili flake or chipotle for spice if you’re into that.
It also plays well with seasonal ingredients. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil work beautifully as garnishes, and you can use fresh peaches when they’re in season, or canned if you’re craving it out of season. Plus, it’s baked in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
If you’re into sweet and savory combinations or love recipes like Marry Me Chicken or Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts, this one will definitely earn a spot on your favorites list.
How to Make Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Pat them dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit of minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in bourbon and let it bubble for a minute to cook off the alcohol. Stir in peach preserves, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the Peaches and Chicken
Add sliced fresh peaches (or canned, drained) to the sauce, nestling them in. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over each piece.
Step 4: Bake to Finish
Transfer the whole skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the dish rest a few minutes out of the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or fresh thyme before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can swap chicken thighs for boneless breasts or even drumsticks, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you don’t have bourbon, try whiskey or omit entirely and use more vinegar for a tangier sauce. For a smoky twist, mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Not peach season? Use canned peaches in juice (not syrup) or even frozen peaches that have been thawed. If you’re out of peach preserves, apricot preserves or orange marmalade work well too.
Make it spicier by adding red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mix. To keep things low-carb, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce and no-sugar-added preserves.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to soak up all that sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts offer a fresh contrast to the sweet and smoky glaze.
If you want a backyard cookout vibe, serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, or a classic coleslaw. For a Southern-style dinner, try a side of mac and cheese and fried okra.
When it comes to drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea, peach lemonade, or even a light bourbon cocktail will complement the flavor profile perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for a delicious lunch the next day.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered baking dish and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it in 1-minute bursts, but the oven preserves the texture of the skin better.
If freezing, store the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes! Simply omit the bourbon and replace it with an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to maintain depth in the sauce.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce. I recommend a smoky or hickory-style sauce to complement the sweetness of the peaches.
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Definitely. Apricots or nectarines are great substitutes. Even pineapple chunks can work for a tropical twist.
Is it possible to make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too runny?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth. If it’s too runny, let it simmer a bit longer on the stove before baking to reduce and thicken.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you loved this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try out some of my other mouthwatering chicken recipes. One of the most popular on the site is Marry Me Chicken, a rich, creamy dish that pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread. For a simpler option that’s just as flavorful, check out the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with its velvety sauce and hint of herbs.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, my One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is always a crowd-pleaser. And don’t miss the Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken if you love set-it-and-forget-it meals that taste amazing.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily when you’re planning your next delicious dinner. Sharing is caring, so if you loved this recipe, send it to a friend, post it on social media, or tag me when you make it. I love seeing your creations and how you make them your own!
You can also save this recipe to your phone or desktop, or print it out and keep it in your recipe binder for easy access whenever a craving hits. Happy cooking!
Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken
This Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken is a sticky, sweet, and savory delight that brings Southern flair to your dinner table. Made with juicy chicken thighs, luscious peach preserves, and smoky bourbon, it's all baked together in one pan with fresh peaches and tangy barbecue sauce. The flavors are bold, the sauce is finger-licking delicious, and the result is a juicy, caramelized chicken dish perfect for family meals, cookouts, or cozy date nights. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 fresh peaches, sliced (or 1 cup canned peaches, drained)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from skillet.
- Lower heat to medium, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in bourbon; let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Stir in peach preserves, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer until thickened slightly.
- Add sliced peaches to the sauce, then return chicken to the pan skin-side up.
- Spoon sauce over each thigh.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts or drumsticks; adjust cooking times.
- For non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and use chicken broth or extra vinegar.
- Use canned or frozen peaches when fresh aren't in season.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
