This grilled chicken with peach BBQ sauce is one of those meals that feels fancy but is super easy to pull off. It’s sweet, smoky, and juicy — and the homemade peach BBQ sauce? Oh man, it’s a game-changer. My family devoured it and asked for more the next day. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer cookout with friends.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This one has a special place in our weekly dinner rotation because:
- The sauce is homemade but super easy — and tastes 10x better than store-bought.
- It’s sweet enough that kids love it but still has smoky flavor for grown-ups.
- It’s a great way to use fresh (or frozen!) peaches.
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes.
🍽️ What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For the Peach BBQ Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced (or 1½ cups frozen peaches, thawed)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
🧑🍳 Pro Tips:
- No fresh peaches? Frozen peaches work great — just thaw them first.
- Don’t skip the paprika! It gives the chicken that delicious smoky flavor.
- Use thighs if you can. They stay juicier on the grill than breasts.
- Taste your sauce before using. Adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
- Double the sauce. It’s great for dipping or serving over veggies!
🔧 Tools You’ll Need:
- Grill or grill pan
- Small saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Knife + cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
🔄 Substitutions & Variations:
- Chicken breasts instead of thighs — just don’t overcook.
- Honey instead of brown sugar.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Use canned peaches if fresh/frozen aren’t in season.
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips:
- You can make the BBQ sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed jar.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Drizzle chicken thighs with olive oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub everything in.
Step 2: Make the Peach BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine diced peaches, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until peaches are soft.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
Remove sauce from heat. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F inside. During the last couple of minutes, brush with peach BBQ sauce.
Step 5: Serve!
Remove chicken from grill. Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
🍴 What to Serve With
This chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled corn on the cob 🌽
- Roasted sweet potatoes 🍠
- A fresh green salad 🥗
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls 🍞
❄️ Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet.
- Great sliced up on salads or sandwiches the next day!
❓FAQ
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Totally! But once you try this peach version, you might never go back 😉
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan on the stove or even roast the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Can I freeze the peach BBQ sauce?
Yes! Freeze it in a jar or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
🧡 Give It a Try!
If you’ve never made your own BBQ sauce before, this is the one to start with. It’s easy, delicious, and totally worth it. Let me know in the comments if your family loved it too — and feel free to ask questions. I’m always happy to help!