Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken glazed with a sweet, smoky cherry bourbon barbecue sauce—perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our summer barbecues, with everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs/900 g), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce: 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 150 g), ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed), 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).

Step 2:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until cherries are softened and the sauce thickens.

Step 3:

Remove the sauce from heat and blend with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth. Set aside ½ cup for serving& keep the rest for basting.

Step 4:

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 5:

Place chicken on the grill, skin side down. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, then reduce the heat to medium-low (or move to indirect heat).

Step 6:

Brush chicken generously with cherry bourbon BBQ sauce. Continue grilling, turning and basting every 5 minutes, for another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C and the skin is caramelized.

Step 7:

Remove from grill, rest for 5 minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.

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This dish brings everyone together around the grill sharing laughs and enjoying delicious food.

Required Tools

Grill or grill pan Medium saucepan Immersion blender or food processor Tongs Basting brush Meat thermometer

Allergen Information

Contains soy (soy sauce Worcestershire sauce) and may contain gluten (check sauces for gluten-free versions) Worcestershire sauce can contain anchovies (fish) Always double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 32 g

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This cherry bourbon BBQ chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for juicy results and crispy skin, but boneless thighs or breasts can also be used with adjusted cooking times.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the cherry bourbon sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days, enhancing its flavors before grilling.

→ How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly on the grill?

Start grilling over medium-high heat for searing, then move to indirect heat and baste frequently to cook through while developing a caramelized glaze.

→ Is it possible to make this dish indoors?

Absolutely. Sear the chicken in a skillet and finish cooking in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

Grilled corn, potato salad, and light red wines like Pinot Noir complement the smoky and sweet flavors beautifully.