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Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken

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This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs grilled to perfection and basted with a luscious cherry bourbon barbecue sauce. The sauce combines fresh cherries, bourbon, smoky spices, and a hint of heat to create a rich and flavorful glaze. Cooked over medium heat, the chicken achieves crispy skin and juicy meat, making it a crowd-pleaser for any outdoor meal or family gathering. Enjoy with grilled sides or a fresh salad for a well-rounded summer feast.

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Updated on Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken, grilled to perfection, glistening with a smoky, sweet sauce. Save
Golden-brown Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken, grilled to perfection, glistening with a smoky, sweet sauce. | tastyeffect.com

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

I first made this cherry bourbon BBQ chicken for a summer bash, and it was gone before I knew it. The sauce is always a hit, and leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

  • Chicken Thighs: 4 bone-in, skin-on (about 2 lbs/900 g)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for coating the chicken
  • Kosher Salt: 1 tsp to season
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ½ tsp for seasoning
  • Cherries: 1 cup fresh or frozen, pitted (about 150 g) for the sauce
  • Ketchup: ½ cup for the base of the BBQ sauce
  • Bourbon: ¼ cup for a rich, smoky depth
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp for tang
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp for sweetness
  • Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (use gluten-free if needed) for umami
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp for savory depth
  • Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp for smokiness
  • Garlic Powder: ½ tsp for flavor
  • Cayenne Pepper: ¼ tsp (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Preheat Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
Make BBQ Sauce:
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.
Blend Sauce:
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.
Season Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill Chicken:
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).
Baste and Glaze:
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.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from grill, rest for 5 minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.
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| tastyeffect.com

My kids love helping baste the chicken on the grill, turning this meal into a fun family activity. It's become a summer tradition we all look forward to each year.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, and a chilled glass of light red wine such as Pinot Noir. Serve with extra sauce on the side for delicious dipping.

Allergen and Dietary Info

The recipe contains soy (from soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce) and may contain gluten, so choose certified gluten-free sauces if needed. Worcestershire sauce can include anchovies (fish)—always check labels for allergens.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving provides about 420 calories: 21 g fat, 21 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein. Nutritional values are approximate.

Sizzling, tender Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken, with a caramelized skin and a rich, fruity glaze, ready to serve. Save
Sizzling, tender Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken, with a caramelized skin and a rich, fruity glaze, ready to serve. | tastyeffect.com

This cherry bourbon BBQ chicken is sure to impress everyone at your next cookout. Enjoy the sweet, smoky flavors and savor every bite!

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and develop crispy skin when grilled. Boneless options can be used with adjusted cooking times.

→ Can the sauce be made ahead of time?

Yes, the cherry bourbon sauce can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated. Reheat gently before glazing the chicken.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly on the grill?

Grill over medium heat, turning and basting frequently until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

→ Is there a stovetop alternative to grilling?

You can sear the chicken in a skillet and finish cooking in a 375°F (190°C) oven until fully cooked and caramelized.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

This dish complements grilled corn, potato salad, and a light red wine such as Pinot Noir for a full summer meal.

→ Can the sauce be adjusted for dietary restrictions?

Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option and adjust spice levels by reducing cayenne pepper or omitting it.

Cherry Bourbon BBQ Chicken

Grilled chicken with a sweet, smoky cherry bourbon glaze ideal for summer gatherings.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Jane Miller


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No dairy, No gluten

Components

Chicken

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2 lbs)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

01 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 5 oz)
02 ½ cup ketchup
03 ¼ cup bourbon
04 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
07 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
10 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.

Phase 02

Prepare Sauce: Combine cherries, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently until cherries soften and sauce thickens.

Phase 03

Blend Sauce: Remove sauce from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor. Reserve ½ cup of sauce for serving and retain remaining sauce for basting.

Phase 04

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Phase 05

Grill Chicken - Initial: Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Then lower heat to medium-low or move chicken to indirect heat zone.

Phase 06

Baste and Continue Grilling: Brush chicken generously with cherry bourbon BBQ sauce. Grill, turning and basting every 5 minutes for 15 to 20 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is caramelized.

Phase 07

Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with reserved sauce.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce; may contain gluten depending on sauce selection. Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish). Verify ingredient labels for allergen safety.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 32 g