Bourbon BBQ Chicken with Sixteen Spice Rub Recipe

Name: Bourbon BBQ Chicken with Sixteen Spice Rub
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons ancho chili powder; 3 tablespoons pasilla chili powder; 3 tablespoons ground cumin; 3 tablespoons ground coriander; 3 tablespoons ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cloves; 1 tablespoon ground fennel seed; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 tablespoons onion powder; 1 tablespoon allspice; 1 teaspoon chile de arbol; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 medium Spanish onion, coarsely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup bourbon, plus 2 tablespoons; 1 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup water; 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, chopped; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey

Servings: persons

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons ancho chili powder
3 tablespoons pasilla chili powder
3 tablespoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons ground coriander
3 tablespoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon ground fennel seed
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon allspice
1 teaspoon chile de arbol
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium Spanish onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup bourbon, plus 2 tablespoons
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, chopped
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon molasses
3 bone-in, skin-on breasts
3 bone-in, skin-on thighs
3 bone-in, skin-on legs
1/4 cup canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1
Make the rub: Whisk all the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
2
Make the bbq sauce: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan.
3
Add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes.
4
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5
Stir in 1/2 cup of the bourbon and cook until reduced.
6
Add the ketchup and water, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
7
Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
8
Cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth.
9
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
10
Pour into a bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of bourbon and allow to cool at room temperature.
11
The sauce will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator stored in a tightly sealed container.
12
Heat the grill to medium heat.
13
Brush the chicken with the 1/4 cup of oil and season on both sides with the spice rub.
14
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
15
Grill the chicken slowly, with the lid closed, until golden brown on both sides and fat has rendered.
16
Begin brushing the chicken liberally with the bbq sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
17
Arrange on a serving platter and serve.

480

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 36 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons ancho chili powder, 3 tablespoons pasilla chili powder, 3 tablespoons ground cumin, and more.

Yes, Bourbon BBQ Chicken with Sixteen Spice Rub falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Bourbon BBQ Chicken with Sixteen Spice Rub

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions