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!
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons bourbon (a good bourbon goes a long way in flavor)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (a must for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 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.- 3
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!- 4
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.- 5
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.- 6
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.- 7
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 thighsWhy You’ll Love These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Thighs:
These Bourbon BBQ Glazed Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are packed with flavor and cook up in no time. The bourbonadds a warm, rich complexity to the BBQ glaze, and the boneless thighs make it quick and easy to serve up a juicy, tender meal. Plus, using a cast iron skillet gives you that perfect sear and caramelization, making everything even more delicious. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress!
Chef Damaris PhillipsModern Twists on Southern ClassicsDamaris Phillips’s journey in the culinary world is anything but conventional. Known for her unique approach to Southern comfort food, she first captured the public’s attention as the winner of Food Network Star in 2013. From there, Damaris’s career took off, and today, she’s not just a chef but a dynamic personality who has hosted six different Food Network shows, including her current role on Outrageous Pumpkins. As a regular cast member on shows like Summer Baking Championship, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy’s Grocery Games, Damaris has become a beloved figure, known for her warm, accessible energy and her ability to connect with audiences like they’re part of her extended family.
Her second cookbook, New Fashioned, is on the way, continuing her exploration of Southern cuisine with a modern twist—offering new takes on the comfort food she’s always loved, with a focus on fresh ingredients and accessible flavors for today’s home cooks.
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