Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

There’s just something extra special about the simplicity of smoked chicken thighs! And this recipe for Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs is one of the best!

Just a few ingredients, but big on flavor.

These can be slow cooked on the smoker or Traeger pellet grill for a great dinner with minimal effort.

ingredients for the chicken marinade

How to make Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

First put 8 to 10 chicken thighs into a gallon size plastic bag.

Then add 1/2 cup of your favorite bourbon.

adding bourbon to a bag with chicken thighs

Along with 1/2 cup of cherry juice from a jar of maraschino cherries.

And some kosher salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning blend.

Massage the bag until combined and marinate in the fridge.

chicken marinating in a bag

Next remove the thighs from the bag and place them on a tray.

Season with more kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning.

seasoned chicken thighs before cooking

Then set your smoker or Traeger pellet grill to 250 degrees.

And put the chicken thighs right on the grill grate for 2 1/2 to 3 hours total.

chicken thighs on the smoked before cooking

Flipping them halfway through.

flipping the Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs sure are a tasty looking sight 🙂

This cooking method really doesn’t create crispy chicken skin, but you could always throw them skin side down on a grill for a minute or two if you want that crisp.

We prefer them just like this.

Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

So flavorful with a perfect trio of bourbon, cherry, and smoky goodness.

Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

YUM!

Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

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Best Smoked Chicken Wing Recipes

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Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Cheri Renee
Smoked Cherry Bourbon Chicken Thighs is a fun dinner recipe for the smoker or Traeger pellet grill, so flavorful and tasty!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 chicken thighs
Calories 243 kcal

Equipment

  • Traeger/Pellet Grill
  • 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
 

  • Put the chicken thighs in a gallon size plastic bag or container. Add the bourbon, cherry juice, kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Massage the bag until combined and marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight
  • Remove the chicken from the bag and season with more kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning.
  • Set your smoker or pellet grill to 250 degrees and place the chicken thighs on the grill grate for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through. Internal temperature should be above 165 degrees.
Keyword Bourbon, Cheap, Cherry, Chicken Thighs, Easy, Pellet Grill, Smoked, TikTok, Traeger

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