Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. Cooking it on the griddle gives it a nice sear, and it’s super easy to make!
Honestly, the aroma that fills the kitchen is out of this world! I like to serve it over rice for a complete meal. You’ll want seconds, trust me! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their moistness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but make sure to monitor the cooking time as they can dry out.
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a sweet and smoky flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with apple juice or unsweetened iced tea mixed with a bit of vanilla extract.
Soy Sauce: Use regular soy sauce for a richer flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is great if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free diet, tamari works well too!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar lends sweetness and depth. If you’re out, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 cup white sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon molasses) or use maple syrup for a different twist.
Bell Pepper: I recommend red or yellow for sweetness, but green will do if you prefer a more bitter taste. You can also use a mix of colors for a vibrant dish!
How Do I Make the Marinade Stick and Flavorful?
Creating a flavorful marinade is key to delicious bourbon chicken. First, mix your bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper in a bowl. This combo of sweet, salty, and tangy really infuses the chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for better flavor absorption.
- Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If possible, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for more flavor.
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or a mix), diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Optional: green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken. So make sure to plan ahead for the marinating time to really enjoy the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved, creating a delicious marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. This step really helps the flavors soak into the chicken!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the griddle. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Stir them occasionally so they cook evenly.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the griddle. Add the marinated chicken to the center of the griddle. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze from the marinade. Make sure to check that the chicken is no longer pink in the center!
5. Combine and Finish:
Once the chicken is done, mix it with the sautéed vegetables on the griddle, allowing them to combine and soak up the flavors for another minute or two. This step ensures everything is heated through and tasty!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the Bourbon Chicken from the heat. If you’d like, garnish with chopped green onions for a nice pop of color. Serve the chicken hot over steamed rice or with your favorite side dish. Enjoy your delicious homemade Blackstone Bourbon Chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken breasts or even shrimp. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as shrimp will cook faster, and chicken breasts may require a few extra minutes.
Can I Substitute the Bourbon?
Yes, if you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative. While the flavor will be different, it will still provide a delicious sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the griddle or in a microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
What Should I Serve with Bourbon Chicken?
This dish goes wonderfully over steamed rice, but you can also try it with quinoa or noodles. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of crisp salad or roasted vegetables to complement the flavors!
