There’s something special about the simplicity of smoked chicken thighs, and this Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
A handful of ingredients come together to create a sweet, smoky, bourbon-infused glaze that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken thighs.
You can cook these on a traditional smoker or a Traeger-style pellet grill for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
How to make Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs
Place 8 to 10 chicken thighs into a gallon-size plastic bag or a sealed container.
Pour in 1/2 cup of bourbon (or cherry bourbon for extra cherry flavor).
Add 1/2 cup of cherry juice from a jar of maraschino cherries, then season with kosher salt, black pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning blend.
Massage the bag or mix the container contents until everything is evenly combined. Refrigerate and marinate for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
When ready to cook, remove the thighs from the marinade and arrange them on a tray. Add a light sprinkle of kosher salt, pepper, and more BBQ seasoning to taste.
Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 250°F (about 120°C). Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill grate and smoke for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, flipping once about halfway through the cook time.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). If you prefer crisper skin, briefly sear skin-side down over higher heat for a minute or two at the end.
Flip them halfway through for even smoke exposure and caramelization.
Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs are a delicious sight
The low-and-slow smoking method yields tender, juicy thighs with a pronounced smoky note. The bourbon and cherry juice give a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the meat.
If you like a crispier finish, a quick sear over direct heat will tighten the skin, but the thighs are delicious as-is straight from the smoker.
The combination of bourbon, cherry, and smoke creates a balanced flavor profile—sweet, boozy, and savory—with tender meat that pulls apart easily.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, smoky-sweet flavors.
You might also enjoy these recipes
Cherry Bourbon Pig Shots
A flavorful game-day appetizer that combines savory pork with cherry bourbon notes—great for sharing.
Traeger Peach Bourbon Crumble
A smoky-scented dessert that pairs smoky wood flavor with sweet peaches and a buttery crumble topping.
Smoked Lemonade Chicken Thighs
A bright, tangy alternative that’s perfect for spring and summer cookouts.
Best Smoked Chicken Wing Recipes
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Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs
Cheri Renee
Equipment
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Traeger/Pellet Grill
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Smoker
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon or cherry bourbon
- 1/2 cup cherry juice from a jar of maraschino cherries
- kosher salt, pepper, BBQ seasoning blend
Instructions
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Put the chicken thighs in a gallon-size bag or container. Add the bourbon, cherry juice, kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Massage to combine and marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with additional kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning.
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Set your smoker or pellet grill to 250°F and place the thighs on the grate. Smoke for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
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