Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach & Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Adding the Chipotle, Peach, and Bourbon Barbecue Sauce to Smoked Chicken was a divine marriage; it’s the only way to prepare it in my book now!
The theme for this week’s Food Network #SummerSoiree is chicken. I do love chicken and actually made a new dish yesterday I’ll be sharing soon but today I wanted to bring something out of the archives; this Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach & Bourbon BBQ Sauce is our favorite summer dish and worthy of sharing again.
Two years might not seem like a long time but in blog world it is and many of my readers have never seen this recipe. And you should! The chicken is smoked after being rubbed with spices and it is delicious on it’s own but the thing that makes it? The Sauce.
As much as I love to barbecue; what I love just as much is conjuring up new barbecue sauces. I’m going through a fruit phase; maybe it’s an extension of how fruit has permeated my salads and salad dressings but I’ve found them to be so complimentary to the seasonings that make up sauces for the grill.
Between the spicy rub, the smoking process and the amazing sauce, by the time all is said and done the flavor that was imparted to this smoked chicken was amazing. I created this dish for a backyard get together and the sauce was so loved I was asked if I would please bottle it and sell it. How about if I just give you the recipe instead?
If I were making this later in the season I might have used fresh peaches but I’m not certain; the ease of using a jar of peach preserves can not be underestimated! I first made this dish when I was in a displaced mode, staying with neighbors after my house sold and before my new one was completed.
Considering all the things that I either sold or stored, it says something that I brought my smoker with me. Anticipating a summer without smoking some chicken would simply not be the same. Or brisket or ribs or…see; how could I go through an entire summer without it?
I love having a smoker; the ease alone of putting the food in and letting it do it’s magic is nice and nothing can beat the taste of something cooked low and slow with a hint of smoke, especially if that smoked comes from my favorite chips from Jack Daniels himself!
Smoking something small like chicken legs is especially easy since the time element is relatively short due to their size. Short as in 2 hours versus a full day; that makes it something I can accomplish without spending the entire day monitoring progress. LOVE!
The sauce would be equally wonderful as an accompaniment to barbecue chicken; just rub your chicken with the seasoning and wait til it’s almost done to baste it with the sauce; there is a relatively high sugar content in the sauce so too long on the chicken and it will burn.
Served with Cilantro Serrano Mexican Rice (my FAVORITE rice dish EVER!), a simple salad with mixed greens, strawberries, sunflower seeds and a strawberry dressing, this Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach and Bourbon Barbecue Sauce was simple and so good; doggone I’m craving some more now!
We also had a trio of ice creams; our favorite being the Mounds Bar version; so good an entire gallon was consumed by just a handful of guests in one day. The ease of making homemade ice cream with these new-fangled ice cream makers might be my downfall; I have more ideas than I have time to bring them to fruition!
I made this dish again for our recent Memorial Day and served it with tomatoes and these Root Beer Baked Beans and it was just perfect so put them on your list too for your next get together or family dinner.
Might as well round it off with this Caramel Banana Pie with Bourbon. See…there’s your menu for any get together you have planned; hope you’ll try one or all and from me to you? Happy Summer!
Summer means easy dishes, cooked out on the grill or something that requires less time inside. Maybe even salads or sandwiches. Nothing fills those needs quite like chicken! This week Food Network‘s Summer Soiree celebrates all things Chicken. Be sure to check out these wonderful recipes from my blogger friends and the Food Network.
- Feed Me Phoebe: Gluten-Free Healthy Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
- The Lemon Bowl: Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken
- The Heritage Cook: The World’s Easiest BBQ Chicken
- Creative Culinary: Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach and Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
- Homemade Delish: Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups
- Daisy at Home: Perfect Fried Chicken with 5 Dipping Sauces
- Healthy Eats: 6 Reasons Not to Write Off Chicken — Summer Soiree
- Red or Green: Spicy Pesto Chicken Bruschetta
- Napa Farmhouse 1885: “Buffums” Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- TasteBook: Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Domesticate Me: Chicken and Goat Cheese Burgers with Peaches, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
- Taste with the Eyes: Gochujang Chicken Adobo
- Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Tandoori Chicken
- Bacon and Soufflé: BBQ Chicken Pizza
- FN Dish: The 6 Essential Chicken Recipes of Summer
PIN IT! ‘Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach & Bourbon BBQ Sauce’
Smoked Chicken with Chipotle Peach Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 12-20 chicken legs
For the Dry Rub:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 1 T cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
For the Chipotle Peach Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon olive or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 12 oz jar peach preserves
- ½ cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp mild-flavored light molasses
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon peel
- 1 to 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo minced, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from can (I originally made this with one chile to not make it too hot for more sensitive palates; everyone thought it could use the additional heat so now I make it with 2)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
Make the Dry Rub:
- Combine the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a container and mix well.
Make the Chipotle Peach Barbecue Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and saute the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to cook for just a minute; do not let it turn brown.
- Add the ketchup, peach preserves, bourbon, lemon juice, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon peel, chiles with adobo sauce, liquid smoke and dry mustard.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20-25 minutes until thickened, stirring often. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Make the Chicken:
- Put the chicken legs into a large ziploc bag or bowl.
- Season the chicken generously with the rub and make sure all the pieces get covered. Put the chicken in the fridge for 4-24 hours.
- Preheat your smoker and place the seasoned chicken legs on the smoker racks.
- Smoke for 2 hours; remove from smoker and put the legs into a large dish, generously slather with the Chipotle Peach Barbecue sauce and cover with foil.
- Put the dish of legs into the smoker for another half hour or until done (should register 175 degrees internally).
- Serve with additional sauce.
i could just dive into that screen and help myself to one of them there drumsticks, ma’am! Looks delicious!
Who wouldn’t fall in love with the Smoked Chicken with Chipotle, Peach and Bourbon Barbecue Sauce? I’m glad I found a better and understanding recipe thanks to you.
This is one of the best Recipe, you have shared online. I will surely give it a try
These look absolutely delicious! You have amazing food photography too :] As much as I know my girl’s will love these, I know I will too!
Thanks for Sharing
This is yummy. Thanks for your awesome idea. I will try this recipe at weekend.
My mouth started watering when I first glimpsed the photo. thank for your tips
It’s look jummy. I will tried make it for my kid. Thanks for sharing
Oh My God, I’ve been looking for this recipe for a long time and look around for a way to make Chicken with Chipotle Peach Barbecue Sauce. I would like to thank for your sharing my family’s favorite dish. On the coming Thanksgiving Day, I will cook this dish so that the whole family can enjoy it. thank you again.
Loved the recipes.. gonna buy one Instant pot! any suggestions which one to go for?
This is their most popular model and the one I have. Hope you love it! Check out Facebook once you get it; there is a huge Instant Pot community with lots of recipes too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FLYWNYQ&linkCode=as2&tag=creatculin-20&linkId=3580868621d317950aef803be69657a5
This is great when we can combine everything in one. Some more chili and pepper will be good, by the way? My husband love spicy foods. Thanks.
Measure a cup of butter (two sticks in US) and then melt it; should be about the same but that’s how I do it!
Certainly add (or subtract) spices for personal taste; recipes are simply a guideline to your creativity and tastes; have fun with them!
It looks yummy!
I loved it.
i like smoked chicken that why i read this post and i am fully impressed from this post, i see 1st time smoked chicken with chipotle peach bourbon barbecue sauce, i love this combination is too good and amazing
peach and bourbon and BBQ? girlfriend, you are speaking my LOVE LANGUAGE with this dish. tangy, sweet, and BBQ. and I can eat with hands!!! YES!
I need to make this and take new photos SO badly but it doesn’t change the fact that is truly was amazing. My neighbors begged me to bottle some for them. They might have been kidding but guess what? I did! 🙂
Take advantage of all instances of some individuals payingfor assessing you as well. Some comparison sites on the purchase of international students have lots of people who become injured during an accident, you should consider shopping online for cheaplargest car insurer files the SR 22 car insurance coverage, visit at least three quotes before taking out a site that make car insurance marketplace is a statistically inarguable conclusion buyingto understand how marketing affects spending. By following the state you happen to be tempted to stop and think about as I lie prone on my vehicle and is still untilInternet. There are different as costs for your auto and an instructor to the gradual meltdown of the insurance, and therefore the insurance company that is close to their respective byto reach those goals. Now’s the time to find companies able to use while on the average of $300 a month. Today, many nations across the web, be sure that are,online for your car insurance. However, this drastically reduces the burden on the road, the more links you include any modifications that make it easier to acquire their insurance agent broker,not only safeguard the citizens from being a law enforcement officer. In fact women commit roughly the same clarification to the other. Even in the future holds can be ascertained adriver was entitled to one insurer. Doing some shopping around. Most car rental to the driver. This will obviously attract discounts from 5 to 4 years. This saving should be bodyof them. If you like you would be increased accordingly.
I don’t have a smoker. Could I bake it? Sounds yummy!!
You sure could Linda, or grill them. You might want to add a bit of something like Liquid Smoke to your sauce to get that smoky flavor but if it’s not important to you, it’s not necessary. That sauce alone is the best! Enjoy!
I was at a BBQ potluck last weekend, and I was at a loss for what to bring. Luckily, I came across this great recipe just in time and it was a hit! Thanks for sharing, love it 🙂
So glad to hear you loved it too; one of my favorites; I could seriously eat the sauce with a spoon!
Just looking at that chicken makes my mouth water. I can only imagine being close enough to smell that delicious aroma! I will soon.
Love barbecued stuff. So much flavor, so easy to do. I’ve done a peach BBQ sauce a couple of times (try it with ham–it’s terrific!). This looks really good — thanks.
Good Lord ! Who wouldn’t feel encouraged to try that red, smooth, inviting sauce?!
……..
In love of your sexy chicken leg shots 🙂
This was SO good…I would say I could have eaten it with a spoon but the real truth is that I did! Thanks so very much.
We made this for our 4th of July BBQ today…AMAZING! Our grill has a smoker that we’ve never used but this recipe encouraged us to give it a try. The rub and sauce were delicious and so flavorful. My husband was in heavan! Thank you so much for sharing your talent!
Ammie I love you. I fly pretty much by the seat of my pants most often; adding a bit of this and a bit of that; hoping I and my friends and family will be happy with the results. I wonder sometimes if they are just being kind…so hearing from you was SO delightful because I really did love this chicken! Thank you! Now…use that smoker more often, OK?
We are making it again today. We used smoked paprika yesterday because that’s all I had on hand but it gave the rub an extra smokey kick. I love smoked paprika and use it in place of regular paprika in most recipes. Thanks again!
I think that’s what I have too Ammie but sometimes I don’t call for a particular type of spice like that so folks don’t feel they have to run out and buy it…but you and I know best. 🙂 I’m smoking elk today…cross your fingers I figure that one out!
Elk?!? My husband and I both grew up in Southeast Idaho and are not strangers to eating big game meats as well as rabbits and pheasants. I’ve been told that one of my first words was moose. 🙂 We live in Los Angeles now but every once in a while I get a craving for a venison steak with eggs. 🙂
I met a fellow last year who produces grass fed beef from a small operation a couple of house west of Denver; he also does big game hunting. He sent me some elk from a hunt last year and today I’m FINALLY getting around to it. Think I’ll fill the smoker with meat; we’re doing elk, chicken and short ribs. Come on over! 🙂
This sauce looks divine.
It is Robin…perfect word.
Good golly, did I already comment on this post. Yowzers does that chicken look amazing! I have made a chicken with a sweet and sour glaze and peaches but I am so loving your kicked up spicy boozy version! Good grief this looks great!
Did you? Well, it’s worthy of two comments. I can not lie Jamie, I was pretty pleased with that sauce. Holy Yum are the words I’m sure I used to describe it. Add that fruity and spicy sauce to smoked chicken? Let’s just say I wished I had smoked more than 20 legs!
Oh my. This does sound mouthwatering good.
Thanks Abbe…it really was! About time for coffee? My treat; just let me know when!
Yowza!! I read the title and honestly started salivating at the thought even before those gorgeous pictures loaded. I can practically smell it. This sounds absolutely amazing! I will be making this soon.
I hope you do Kate; the combination of fruit and some heat with a touch of booze really was so good. Like in we could eat it with a spoon good!
Outstanding chicken!! Your friends were right about bottling and selling it because there’s nothing out there to beat it.
Aw thanks…we did sorta like it. 🙂
Barb, you’re speaking to the choir 🙂 Fruit in the sauce is magic! And in concert with a dry rub….barbecue heaven. I’ll be making your Serrano Mexican Rice very soon, too!
It is hard to describe that rice Priscilla. It sounds good enough but then you take that first bite and have an ‘oh my’ moment. Not hot at all but those peppers and cilantro season it just so perfectly. I’m not kidding when I tell you that the first time I made it for a barbecue I ‘tested’ so much I had to make a 2nd batch. Now I just always double it…you know, for insurance!
Your friends were right, you should have bottled and sold this but selfishly, I’m glad you chose you share it here. Great heart you have and and a great recipe. That chicken looks so good I actually touched my laptop screen!
I love how my pals think my entrepreneur spirit means I should start another business…and I’m happy to share because I promise, BBQ sauce business is not in my future! It was so good Paula; not that it wouldn’t be great with grilled chicken too but I have to admit that I just love having a smoker; especially this electric one. Set it and forget it? Why yes thank you very much. 🙂
Holy smokes, I am seriously Drooling! Yes, capital D! I adore peaches in barbecue sauce and love how you used peach compote. Simply fantastic!
Thanks Liren; it was literally good enough to eat with a spoon (one of my guests did just that!).
This chicken is outstanding! I’m going to make this for my sister on the weekend. We’ll cook and chat and then swoon and sing your praises.
That sounds perfect but wish I was there with you!
Heat and sweet. Love it!
Me too…I love that combination SO much I could do it with almost everything from cocktails to salad dressings to barbecue to desserts. If I had nothing but time, I would start a new blog with that as the theme. 🙂
My mouth started watering when I first glimpsed the photo. Then I read the whole post and recipe and now it’s a full on craving! Dadgum it, Barb, now I have to go back to the grocery store again today 🙂
It was so good and I was not kidding; my friends Dad could not stop eating it with a spoon; we kidded him about liking a bit of chicken with his sauce? I did one last year or two that was similar with cherry preserves…it’s so good too. I’m all about the fruit!
LOL!! Most women would be taking trunks of clothes… Us? We take trunks of cooking equipment! After reading this recipe (which I KNOW I would love, don’t even have to make it to know that) I might just have to break down and get a smoker!
How did you know I came totally unprepared with clothing? But I’ve got my grill, smoker, Cuisinart, BlendTec and KitchenAid…who needs clothes anyway? 🙂
I second that idea of you bottling this up and selling it. What a meal you must have had! I agree about using peach preserves rather than fresh. I made a sauce last year using a peach jam I canned last spring and loved it. If I get around to canning more this summer I’ll be sure to share the bounty with you.
You know I would LOVE that Holly…and if you do well then I will make you some sauce! 🙂
One of these day I need to get a smoker. You can smoke OK on a kettle grill, but it’s more work. Great looking chicken! I sometimes use fruit in marinades and glazes, not so often in sauce. Yours looks great! Try ginger preserves sometime – they’re awesome with BBQ!
They are highly addictive John…I got one mostly to make my own bacon but now I love it for SO many things. I will try ginger; I just know it would be great…thanks.
Well now, i could just dive into that screen and help myself to one of them there drumsticks, ma’am! Looks delicious!
You’re in Texas, right? 🙂 Thanks Lizzy!