Grilled Chicken in Kentucky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Get ready to fire up the grill with this irresistible recipe for Grilled Chicken in Kentucky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned with a smoky rub, kissed by the flame, and basted in a bold, homemade barbecue sauce infused with the rich, caramel notes of Kentucky bourbon. This perfectly balanced sauce combines ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, delivering the ultimate sweet-and-savory glaze. Each bite bursts with smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, making it the star of any cookout or summer dinner. Serve with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast that's sure to impress. Perfect for BBQ enthusiasts, this recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and grilling mastery!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Kentucky bourbon
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub each piece with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine Kentucky bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill for 6–7 minutes until the skin is crispy and lightly charred, then flip.
Brush the barbecue sauce generously onto the grilled side of the chicken. Close the lid and cook for another 6–7 minutes.
Flip the chicken again and brush more barbecue sauce on the other side. Cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally and adding more sauce as needed, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the grilled chicken with extra Kentucky bourbon barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy with coleslaw, cornbread, or your favorite grilled vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
555 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.0 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 946 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.1 g | ||
| Protein | 18.5 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 42 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 318 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
