Bourbon BBQ Glazed Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that packs a punch, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are all about juicy, tender chicken glazed with a rich, smoky bourbon BBQ sauce. The best part? They cook up quickly in a cast iron skillet, making it a simple one-pan wonder. It’s Southern comfort food with a modern twist, and trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the Chicken:
Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dry chicken equals a better sear!
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Heat the Cast Iron Skillet:
Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the skillet get hot and ready for the chicken to sizzle.
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Sear the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. You want that crispy, golden exterior, so resist the urge to flip them too early!
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Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Glaze:
While the chicken is searing, whisk together the bourbon, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Bring this mixture to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken up just a bit.
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Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken thighs are seared and golden, pour the bourbon BBQ glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Use a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the glaze. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
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Check for Doneness:
Make sure your chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the heat.
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Serve and Garnish:
Drizzle any leftover glaze over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.
Some Helpful Tips
- Boneless Skinless Thighs: I love using boneless skinless thighs because they cook quickly and are super tender. They still have enough fat to stay juicy, but they don’t take as long to cook as bone-in thighs. You get all the flavor with less wait time.
- Bourbon Flavor: The bourbon adds an incredible depth to the BBQ glaze. Don’t worry about the alcohol—it cooks off during the simmering process, leaving that rich, complex flavor behind. It’s a perfect pairing with the BBQ sauce and honeyfor a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy.
- Smoky Flavor: If you like extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke to the glaze or use a smoked BBQ sauce. This will amp up the flavor even more.
- Sealing in the Juiciness: Since we’re using boneless skinless thighs, getting that crispy sear is key to locking in all the juices. Let them cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to form that perfect golden crust.
- Grill Option: If you’re craving that classic BBQ flavor, you can also grill the chicken thighs and brush on the glaze as they cook for an extra smoky finish.
savory, bourbon, bbq, chicken, chicken thighs
