This Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is a tasty treat that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s made with tender chicken, soy sauce, and a splash of bourbon for a fun twist!
Cooking it on the griddle makes it even easier since you get those delicious caramelized bits. I love to serve it over rice to soak up all the yummy sauce—perfect for a cozy dinner! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I suggest using boneless, skinless thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you’re after a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work but may dry out faster during cooking.
Bourbon: Bourbon adds a lovely depth. If you don’t have any, a whiskey or even apple cider vinegar can work. Just remember that they will change the flavor, so it’s worth experimenting!
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative if you need one.
Brown Sugar: You can swap brown sugar with honey or pure maple syrup for a different sweetness. Just reduce the amount slightly since they have different sweetness levels.
Paprika and Garlic: Fresh garlic brings great flavor, but you could also use garlic powder in a pinch. If you love a smoky taste, consider adding smoked paprika!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Sear Each Time?
Getting a good sear on the chicken is key for flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your griddle is hot before adding the oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering to ensure it doesn’t stick.
- Once you add the chicken, spread it out in a single layer without crowding. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Don’t stir too much! Let it sear for 4-5 minutes before flipping, as this creates a nice crust.
- If it’s sticking a bit when you try to flip, it usually needs a bit more time to sear.
Blackstone Bourbon Chicken On The Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Blackstone Bourbon Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. With at least 30 minutes for marinating (or up to 2 hours), it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger to create your marinade. Then, add the sliced chicken thighs, making sure they are completely coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a richer flavor, you can let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat the Griddle:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your griddle to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the vegetable oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This is key for getting that perfect sear on your chicken!
3. Cook the Chicken:
When the oil is ready, add the marinated chicken to the griddle in a single layer. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 minutes without stirring, so it gets a nice golden color. After browning, toss in the diced red and yellow bell peppers and onion. Stir everything together and keep cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Finish and Serve:
If you have any leftover marinade, feel free to pour it over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve your Blackstone Bourbon Chicken hot with rice or noodles, and enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide great flavor and tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute with apple juice or apple cider vinegar. If you want to maintain that depth of flavor, you can mix in a little bit of vanilla extract and a splash of water to mimic the bourbon taste.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Blackstone Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly along with the chicken and peppers.
