Sticky Brown Sugar Glaze. Sweet, smoky, savory perfection! Here are 10 bourbon BBQ chicken recipes — big flavor with simple steps. A deep, rich, perfectly sticky glaze, 10 different ways to enjoy it.
Browse the Recipes
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken
- Spicy Bourbon BBQ Chicken
- Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Chicken
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken Wings
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken Pizza
- BBQ Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Classic FavoritesThe Sticky Originals
Bourbon BBQ Chicken
The Star Recipe
Glossy, sticky chicken thighs in a bourbon brown sugar glaze — sweet, smoky, savory perfection.
You need:
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder + spices
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make it:
- Whisk: Mix bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard powder, and spices.
- Baste: Reserve some sauce, coat chicken generously with the rest.
- Cook: Grill or bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Glaze: Baste frequently.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes, then enjoy!
Spicy Bourbon BBQ Chicken
Hot and Sticky
Add cayenne and chili flakes to the glaze for a fiery kick under the sweetness.
You need: chicken thighs, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard powder, cayenne, chili flakes
Make it: Follow the main method, whisking cayenne and chili flakes into the sauce before basting. Grill or bake 25-30 minutes.
Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken
Golden and Sweet
Swap half the brown sugar for honey for a golden, extra-sticky glaze kids love.
You need: chicken thighs, bourbon, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, vinegar, mustard powder
Make it: Follow the main method, whisking honey into the sauce. Watch closely — honey caramelizes fast.
Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Chicken
Set and Forget
The same sticky glaze, made hands-off — fall-apart shredded chicken in the slow cooker.
You need: chicken thighs, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic powder
Make it: Whisk the sauce, pour over chicken in the slow cooker, and cook on LOW 6 hours. Shred and toss in the glaze.
Party and Game DayFinger-Lickin Crowd Pleasers
Bourbon BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Sticky and Fun to Eat
Drumsticks glazed thick and finished under the broiler for caramelized, crispy edges.
You need: chicken drumsticks, bourbon BBQ sauce (recipe 1), salt, pepper
Make it: Season drumsticks, bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, brush with sauce, and broil 5 minutes until charred.
Bourbon BBQ Chicken Wings
Game Day Hero
Crispy baked wings tossed in the bourbon glaze — serve with celery and ranch.
You need: chicken wings, baking powder, bourbon BBQ sauce (recipe 1), celery, ranch
Make it: Toss wings with baking powder, bake at 425°F for 40 minutes, then toss in warm glaze.
Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers
Grill Party Ready
Chicken pieces threaded on skewers, grilled and basted with the sticky glaze.
You need: chicken thigh pieces, bourbon BBQ sauce (recipe 1), wooden skewers, green onions
Make it: Thread chicken on soaked skewers, grill 12-15 minutes turning often, and baste with glaze.
Fun Ways to ServeThe Glaze Goes Everywhere
Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Pulled and Piled High
Shredded bourbon BBQ chicken piled on toasted brioche buns with crunchy coleslaw.
You need: shredded bourbon BBQ chicken, brioche buns, coleslaw mix, pickles
Make it: Warm the shredded chicken in extra glaze, pile onto toasted buns, and top with coleslaw.
Bourbon BBQ Chicken Tacos
Sweet Heat in Every Bite
Soft tortillas filled with shredded bourbon BBQ chicken, slaw and fresh cilantro.
You need: shredded bourbon BBQ chicken, soft tortillas, coleslaw, cilantro, lime
Make it: Warm tortillas, fill with hot shredded chicken, top with slaw, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Bourbon BBQ Chicken Pizza
The Ultimate Leftover Hack
Crispy pizza topped with bourbon BBQ chicken, red onions and melted mozzarella.
You need: pizza dough, bourbon BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onion, mozzarella
Make it: Spread sauce on dough, add chicken and onions, top with mozzarella, and bake at 475°F for 12-14 minutes.
BBQ Tips
- Reserve sauce first. Set aside serving sauce before the brush touches raw chicken — no double-dipping.
- Baste late and often. Sugar burns fast, so glaze in the final minutes and baste frequently.
- Hit 165°F. Chicken thighs are done at 165°F internal — juicy and safe, every time.
- Rest before serving. Five minutes of rest keeps the sticky glaze on the chicken, not the cutting board.
- Use indirect heat. On the grill, cook over indirect heat and move over the flame only at the end for char.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the alcohol cook off?
Yes — most of the alcohol cooks off during baking or grilling, leaving behind a deep, rich flavor and a sticky glaze.
Can I skip the bourbon?
Yes — swap it for apple juice or extra apple cider vinegar. You’ll lose a little depth but keep the sticky glaze.
Grill or oven — which is better?
Both work. The grill adds smoky char; the oven at 350°F (180°C) is easier and still gives a caramelized glaze.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. If using breasts, pound them even and don’t overcook — pull at 165°F.
How long do leftovers keep?
Up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat gently so the glaze stays glossy.