These Peach Whisky Chicken Kebabs are a truly summer meal. Fresh ripe local peaches and grilling are summer essentials.
And as usual, I find myself with a lot of peaches. Way too many, in fact. So besides eating them as is, I'm trying to use them up. They won't fit in my fridge, so using them until they do is a necessity.
Where I live, orchardists have been growing peaches since the 1800s. The climate here is prime for peach growing, and the harvest starts in mid-July and ends in late August. There are many varieties of peaches, way too many to list.
Freestone Vs Cling Peaches
All the peach varieties fall under Freestone or Cling varieties. Just like it sounds, the flesh of a freestone peach easily separates from its stone, while a cling is more difficult. Cling peaches are perfect for eating fresh, and many of them are very sweet and juicy. But for recipes, canning, and preserves, I like the ease of using freestones. So, if you plan to make these yummy kebabs, look for freestones.
About Grilling Fruit
Like so many stone fruits, peaches are delicious when grilled. They also love to be paired with bourbon. Bourbon and peaches have a long and delicious history. And tempering their peachy sweetness with a hint of spice is always a delicious idea. That was the plan when I thought about these kebabs. Threading dinner onto sticks is always a fun way to cook it, too.
Keep in mind, peaches are a delicate fruit, and will go mushy if cooked for too long. That's why this recipe is using boneless, skinless chicken breast, which cooks up fairly quickly.
Can You Make Kebabs Ahead?
One thing I love about these peach whisky chicken kebabs is that you can marinate, and make them ahead, then throw them on the grill for entertaining. While you hang out with your guests instead of in the kitchen. Because, really, that's the other thing summer is all about, right? Serve with a fresh garden salad, and you can also slather on some Honey Teriyaki Sauce.
Want more ideas for fruit on the grill? Try Spiced Rum Grilled Peaches, Grilled Pork & Plum Kebabs, or Grilled Apricot & Arugula Salad. And if you are a fan of kebabs, check out Grilled Asian Salmon Kebabs or Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp.
Recipe
Peach Whisky Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper seeded, cored and minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for the grill
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2" cubes
- 2 ripe peaches pits removed and cut into 2" cubes
- ½ red onion sliced into 2" pieces
- 2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and jalapeno
- Put chicken cubes in a zip lock bag, and pour marinade over, making sure the chicken is covered
- Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours
- Remove chicken, discarding marinade
- Heat grill to medium-high, and spray with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil
- On wooden skewers, thread chicken cubes, peach, and onion pieces, alternating
- Grill 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally
- Remove from grill and sprinkle with thyme leaves before serving
Notes
Nutrition
Adrianne
I wish I was having these for dinner Colleen!! Yum, and yum and yum!! They look so good and perfect for summer. It is hot in Australia at the moment and these would be awesome for a hot bbq night. Cheers for sharing, am pinning too!
Colleen
Adrianne, these are the perfect hot night dinner on the barbecue. You are making me miss summer, because winter is here now in Canada, and we won't be having these for a while. Enjoy them, and think of us in the snow 🙂
Lola
Yum! I cannot wait to try this recipe out, thanks for the share. Love checking out your blog, keep up the posts!
Colleen
Hi Lola! Thanks for stopping by, and your sweet comment ♥. I hope you enjoy this dish, we loved it.
Justine @ JustineCelina.com
Oh man, I have a full case of BC peaches arriving this week and you definitely piqued my interest with this recipe Colleen! Admittedly, I've never cooked with Whisky, but my guy loves it so we have lots kicking around. I'm going to give it a go!
Colleen
Hi Justine! The whisky adds something special to this recipe, so if you have lots kicking around, I hope you do give it a try! Enjoy 🙂
Markus Mueller | Earth, Food, and Fire
These look simply fantastic! The colors themselves contrast really well and just make you want to grab a few of these straight from the picture!! I love grilling fruit, and peaches are perfectly paired with a taste of a smoky grill!. Thanks for the recipe, I'll be making these for supper this week!
Colleen
Thanks so much Markus! We're still hanging on to summer over here on this coast! 🙂 The grill is the only place I've been cooking for a couple of months, and I'll keep it going as long as possible, lol. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Kaitie
Wow these look amazing!! Absolutely delicious and perfect for dinner one night, or double the recipe for a delicious meal with guests. I love the whisky/peach combo!
Colleen
Hi Katie! Yes, these are always great for entertaining, as well as just an easy dinner night, too.
Maresa
Oh my goodness, two of my very favourite ingredients: peaches and bourbon 😉 I happen to have a whole box of peaches in my basement just waiting for some good recipes! I am absolutely making this recipe this weekend - can't wait!
Colleen
Hi Maresa, two of my favourites, as well! I have more peaches, too. Just can't seem to stop, haha. I hope you enjoy the recipe. 🙂
Denise from UrbnSpice
So, guess what the first thing I bought when we came back from our holidays yesterday? Peaches! And then I see your delicious recipe for Grilled Peach Whisky Chicken Kebobs and I am inspired to make them for my dinner this evening. I love it!
Colleen
Glad you got back in time to get some peaches, Denise! Enjoy!
Marie
Ooh, this looks fantastic!
Colleen
Thanks Marie, pretty simple, but delicious too. 🙂