This Bourbon Chicken recipe is both sweet and tangy, cooked to perfection right on the griddle. The chicken is tender, coated in a yummy glaze with hints of bourbon and brown sugar!
Cooking it on the griddle makes clean-up a breeze! I love serving it over rice, where that delicious sauce can really shine. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this dish due to their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can swap in chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily.
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor. If you don’t have bourbon, try using apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick, or a splash of fruit juice like apple or orange juice as a sweeter alternative.
Soy Sauce: This brings salty umami to the dish. For a gluten-free option, switch to tamari. If you’re watching sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce instead.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives sweetness and caramelization. You can use honey or maple syrup as a replacement, but keep in mind this changes the flavor slightly.
Vegetables: The bell peppers add color and crunch. You can mix it up with whatever you have on hand, such as zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli. This way, you can customize the dish to your liking!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken on a Griddle?
Cooking chicken on a griddle can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it just right. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful.
- Preheat the griddle. Make sure it’s hot before adding the oil; this ensures a nice sear on the chicken.
- Use medium-high heat. This heat level is ideal for browning without burning. Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks.
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle. Cook in batches if needed to allow for even cooking and enough space for browning.
- Check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe. You can use a meat thermometer for this.
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need a total of about 50 minutes. This includes 30 minutes for marinating the chicken and about 20 minutes for cooking. If you can marinate for longer, even better! The more time the chicken has to soak up those flavors, the tastier it will be.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate Chicken:
Start by mixing together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a medium bowl. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, making sure they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor!
2. Prepare Griddle:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, pour in the vegetable oil, spreading it around to coat the cooking surface. You’re ready to cook!
3. Cook Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken pieces on the hot griddle. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. You want it nice and golden!
4. Add Vegetables:
When the chicken is almost done, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, along with the chopped onion. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. You want those veggies to be tender but still bright!
5. Thicken Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and veggies on the griddle. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. This will help coat everything with that delicious flavor!
6. Season and Serve:
Take a taste and adjust the seasoning with some salt and pepper if needed. Once you’re happy with the flavors, remove the chicken from the heat. If you like, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot with rice or noodles, and enjoy your tasty Blackstone Bourbon Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs, so be mindful not to overcook them. Aim for a cooking time of about 6-8 minutes, checking for doneness at 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you need a non-alcoholic substitute, you can use apple juice or a combination of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water for similar flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, so adjust the sweetness accordingly, possibly adding a bit more brown sugar.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Blackstone Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add other veggies such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and add them to the griddle at the same time as the bell peppers to ensure even cooking.
