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honey bourbon grilled chicken thighs - featured image

Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken Thighs


  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Sweet, smoky, and incredibly affordable honey bourbon grilled chicken thighs. A budget-friendly, forgiving main dish perfect for Labor Day BBQs and family meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt (to taste, considering soy sauce content)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add honey, bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
  4. Prepare the grill for two-zone heat: pile coals on one side for charcoal, or turn one burner to high and the other to medium-low for gas.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot zone. Do not touch for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden-brown char forms. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
  6. Move chicken to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Brush generously with the honey bourbon glaze.
  7. Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, basting every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F.
  8. Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining glaze.

Notes

Use two-zone heat to prevent the sugar in the honey from burning. Chicken thighs are best at 175°F for tenderness. Reserve a small amount of glaze before basting for a fresh dipping sauce. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American BBQ

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: honey bourbon chicken, grilled chicken thighs, labor day bbq, budget friendly dinner, easy chicken recipe, family meal, sweet and savory chicken