This delicious bourbon chicken is super easy to make on the griddle! Juicy pieces of chicken are marinated in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
The best part? You can whip this up in no time for a quick weeknight meal. I like to serve it with rice, and let’s be real, that sauce is too good not to drizzle on everything! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken breasts, though they might be leaner and not as tender. Alternatively, diced firm tofu can work for a vegetarian option.
Bourbon: This ingredient adds depth and warmth. For a non-alcoholic version, chicken broth works well, offering a nice savory flavor without the booze. Apple juice or even a mix of apple cider vinegar and water could also be used for a sweeter touch.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works great, but if you’re watching sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a good gluten-free substitute too. Just taste and adjust as necessary!
Brown Sugar: It gives that lovely caramel sweetness to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or honey can be an alternative, though honey may change the flavor slightly.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or sunflower oil is a good substitute if you don’t have vegetable oil on hand. Olive oil can also be used, but it has a lower smoke point.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key for flavor in this recipe! Begin by mixing your marinade ingredients, ensuring the sugar dissolves fully. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, aim for 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up those delicious flavors.
- Combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them well.
- Cover and refrigerate to let it work its magic!
Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup bourbon (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
For Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
For Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, then about 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the griddle takes about 15 minutes. In total, you can have this delicious dish ready in about 55 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the bourbon (or chicken broth), soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and optional ginger. Whisk it all together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This will be the flavor-packed marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade. Make sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor to soak in.
3. Preheat the Griddle:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. Pour in the vegetable oil and let it heat up until it’s nice and hot.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the griddle. Stir-fry them for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften and smell amazing. Once they’re ready, push the veggies to one side of the griddle.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the marinated chicken to the griddle, reserving any leftover marinade. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through. It’s going to smell wonderful!
6. Add the Marinade:
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Let it all simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors. Yum!
7. Final Touches:
Take a taste of your dish and sprinkle in some salt and pepper if it needs a little more flavor. Then, remove everything from the heat.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your delicious bourbon chicken and veggies. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s ready to be enjoyed!
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the bourbon chicken hot on its own or over some steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to prevent drying them out.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can easily substitute bourbon with chicken broth. It adds flavor without any alcohol content. For a bit of sweetness, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a bit more brown sugar to mimic the bourbon’s richness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture while reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include more vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces as the other vegetables for even cooking. You’ll want to stir-fry them until slightly tender before adding the chicken to the griddle.
