There’s something special about summer evenings around Lake Norman. The pace slows down, friends gather on the deck, children chase fireflies across the yard, and the aroma of dinner on the grill fills the warm evening air. It’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to linger just a little longer.
While burgers and hot dogs will always have their place, sometimes it’s fun to surprise family and friends with something that feels both familiar and unforgettable. This Grilled Peach & Bourbon BBQ Chicken combines sweet, juicy peaches with a rich smoky barbecue glaze, creating a meal that’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a relaxed weekend cookout.
Whether you’re entertaining neighbors, hosting family after a day on the lake, or simply enjoying dinner on the patio, this recipe captures everything we love about summertime in North Carolina.
For the Chicken
For the Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce
For the Grilled Peaches
In a saucepan, combine the diced peaches, barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.
Simmer over medium heat for 12–15 minutes until the peaches become very soft.
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender. Return to the pan and simmer another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Brush chicken with olive oil.
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Allow to rest for 20–30 minutes while the grill heats.
Heat grill to medium-high.
Cook chicken about 5–6 minutes per side.
During the final several minutes, brush generously with the peach bourbon BBQ sauce, turning once or twice to create a beautiful caramelized glaze.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Brush peach halves lightly with olive oil.
Place cut-side down on the grill for about 3–4 minutes until caramelized with beautiful grill marks.
Arrange the glazed chicken on a serving platter.
Top with grilled peach halves.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with additional warm sauce on the side.
• Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to hold together on the grill.
• Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving to keep every bite juicy.
• Apply the barbecue glaze near the end of grilling to prevent the sugars from burning.
• No bourbon? Substitute apple juice or peach nectar for a family-friendly version that’s every bit as delicious.
• Make extra sauce—it also tastes wonderful on grilled pork, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce for grilled vegetables.
Complete your Lake Norman cookout with:
Grilled Sweet Corn with Herb Butter
Fresh local corn brushed with butter, parsley, garlic, and a squeeze of lime.
Summer Berry Garden Salad
Mixed greens topped with strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, candied pecans, cucumber, and a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Warm Artisan Bread
Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the peach bourbon barbecue sauce.
Refreshing Beverages
Fresh peach iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or your favorite crisp white wine.
Dessert
Vanilla bean ice cream topped with grilled peaches and a drizzle of honey, or a classic homemade peach cobbler.
Some meals are simply about feeding your family. Others become part of the memories you’ll talk about long after the plates are cleared.
This Grilled Peach & Bourbon BBQ Chicken is one of those meals. It’s colorful, full of fresh summer flavor, and made for sharing with the people who matter most.
So fire up the grill, invite a few friends over, and enjoy another beautiful summer evening around Lake Norman. Sometimes the best memories begin with the simple question, “Who’s hungry?
