This peach BBQ chicken is dangerously good—like “accidentally eat half the tray while standing over the grill” good. It’s sweet, smoky, a little spicy, and so finger-licking sticky that you’ll wonder why napkins even exist. The peach BBQ sauce? Unreal. We’re talking peach jam and brown sugar for that caramelized sweetness, chipotles and BBQ rub for smoky depth, and just enough heat from cayenne to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to put on everything… or just eat with a spoon when no one’s watching.
There’s something about summer grilling that demands bold flavors—and this Peach BBQ Chicken delivers on every level. Juicy, smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, this recipe is what backyard BBQ dreams are made of. Whether you’re serving it up for a crowd or making it the star of your weeknight dinner, the sticky-sweet glaze and perfectly charred chicken are sure to turn heads (and plates) at the table.
At the heart of this dish is a luscious peach BBQ sauce that balances fruit-forward sweetness with smoky heat from chipotle peppers and a splash of bourbon for depth. Paired with a homemade BBQ rub that’s packed with flavor, this chicken goes from good to unforgettable with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Peach BBQ Chicken
This dish is the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory. The BBQ rub packs a flavorful punch with smoky paprika, chipotle powder, and a kick of cayenne—setting the stage for deep, grilled flavor. But it’s the peach BBQ sauce that takes this chicken over the top: made with peach preserves, brown sugar, bourbon, and a little chipotle adobo sauce, it’s rich, sticky, and absolutely addictive. The sauce caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken a glossy, finger-licking finish that’s impossible to resist.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are used here because they stay incredibly juicy and are super forgiving on the grill. And if you want to take it up a notch? Add some fresh peach slices on the grill beside your chicken—they’ll caramelize and add a juicy bite that ties the whole plate together.
Perfect Pairings
Looking to round out your meal? These delicious side dishes make perfect companions to peach BBQ chicken:
- Bacon Corn Pasta Salad – a pasta salad always hits at a BBQ, and this bacon, corn pasta salad with a basil dressing is a show stopper.
- Hella Good Mac and Cheese – Comfort food always hits at a BBQ. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the heat and sweetness of the chicken.
- Peach & Arugula Salad – swap the pears in this recipe for peaches for a refreshing, peppery salad with more summer peach love to echo the BBQ glaze.
- Lu’s Potato Salad – my godmother’s potato salad recipe that reigns supreme over all potato salads.
- Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter – Slab some butter on roasted corn and top with chili lime seasoning for a smoky, zesty dish that is summer on a plate.
Peach BBQ Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
This peach BBQ chicken is sweet, smoky, a little spicy, and so irresistibly sticky you’ll be licking your fingers and wondering how you just ate seconds (or thirds).
Ingredients
For the BBQ Rub:
- 3 tbsps brown sugar
- 2 tsps salt
- 2 tsps black pepper
- 2 tsps smoked paprika
- 1½ tsps garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
For the Peach BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¾ cup peach jam or preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 tbsps sauce from chipotles in adobo (depending on spice preference)
- 2 tbsps BBQ rub
For the Peach BBQ Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsps dijon mustard
- 3 tbsps BBQ rub
- 1 cup peach BBQ sauce
- 1 fresh peach cut in quarters (optional)
Instructions
For the Peach BBQ Chicken:
- Make the BBQ Rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with Dijon mustard and about 3 tbsp of the BBQ rub until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Peach BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, peach preserves, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle adobo sauce, and 2 tbsp of the prepared BBQ rub. Stir well and bring to a low simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
- Preheat your grill to 400°F and lightly oil the grates. Add the chicken and grill for 5–6 minutes on the first side, until grill marks appear. Flip and cook an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temp ~165°F).
- Brush both sides of the chicken with the peach BBQ sauce and grill for 1–2 more minutes per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the chicken to finish cooking.
- Optional – Grill Peaches: If using, grill fresh peach quarters for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred and juicy.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve with additional BBQ sauce and optional grilled peaches.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American