Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and smoked paprika. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

   10:00 · Simmer sauce
2. 2

   Remove the sauce from heat and let cool slightly. Set aside 1/2 cup for basting during grilling and reserve the rest for serving.

   5:00 · Cool sauce
3. 3

   Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Rub lightly with vegetable oil.

4. 4

   Place the chicken in a shallow dish and brush generously with 1/2 cup of the bourbon sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator.

5. 5

   Preheat a grill to medium heat, about 375°F, and oil the grates well.

   10:00 · Preheat grill
6. 6

   Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the skin is crisp and golden and the chicken is nearly cooked through.

   15:00 · Grill chicken
7. 7

   Brush the chicken with the reserved basting sauce and continue grilling, turning and basting every few minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

   10:00 · Glaze and finish grilling
8. 8

   Transfer the chicken to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the remaining bourbon barbecue sauce on the side.

   5:00 · Rest chicken