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
- 3–4 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
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 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.
- Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Move chicken to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Brush generously with the honey bourbon glaze.
- Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, basting every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 175°F.
- 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