Bourbon Glazed Grilled Chicken

Are you ready to transform your ordinary grilled chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience? If you’re looking for ways to elevate your backyard barbecue or simply jazz up a weeknight meal, this Grilled Bourbon Chicken recipe is your ultimate answer. Forget the mundane; prepare for a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more. This dish promises a succulent, sticky, and slightly charred perfection that’s miles beyond any stovetop rendition.

Why You Will Love This Grilled Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This grilled bourbon chicken isn’t just another dish; it’s an experience. If you’ve ever craved the addictive, sticky-sweet goodness of food court bourbon chicken but wished for a more authentic, smoky depth, you’ve found your new favorite. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:

• Unrivaled Flavor Profile: Our recipe takes the classic sweet and savory bourbon chicken flavors and amplifies them with the unique char and caramelization only achievable on a grill. The rich, umami-packed sauce, infused with a hint of bourbon, garlic, and ginger, adheres beautifully to the chicken, creating layers of irresistible taste.
• Perfectly Grilled Texture: Unlike stovetop versions that merely cook the chicken, grilling imparts a delightful smokiness and those coveted crispy, charred edges. Each bite offers a tender interior juxtaposed with a gloriously caramelized exterior, a texture that simply cannot be replicated by other cooking methods.
• Effortless Preparation for Maximum Impact: Don’t let the sophisticated flavor fool you—this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The sauce comes together in minutes with minimal fuss, requiring just a quick whisking and simmering on the stovetop. After that, it’s a straightforward grilling process that’s perfect for both novice and experienced grill masters.
• Quick & Satisfying: From preparing the sauce to grilling the chicken, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Heat: Love a little spice? This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Adding a dash of sriracha or finely diced jalapeños to the sauce is a simple way to introduce a fiery kick that beautifully complements the sweet notes.
• Crowd-Pleaser & Versatile: Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a backyard BBQ, this grilled bourbon chicken is a guaranteed hit. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal.

Prepare to impress yourself and your guests with this easy, flavorful, and anything-but-boring grilled chicken masterpiece!

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Bourbon Chicken

Crafting the perfect grilled bourbon chicken starts with a selection of readily available ingredients, many of which are likely already staples in your pantry, especially if you enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store. For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

• Chicken Thighs: We highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Their inherent fat content keeps them incredibly juicy and tender on the grill, preventing them from drying out. They also absorb the bourbon sauce wonderfully. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier skewering.
• Bourbon: A critical component for that signature flavor. While the alcohol cooks off, the distinct, rich notes of the bourbon remain. Choose a bourbon you genuinely enjoy drinking; there’s no need for top-shelf, but avoid the absolute cheapest options as their flavor quality will impact the final dish.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of your dish. If regular soy sauce is all you have, you might want to slightly reduce the amount or balance it with a little extra water.
• Hoisin Sauce: This provides a beautiful sweet and tangy umami depth, typical of many Asian marinades and glazes.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet caramel note that is essential for the sticky glaze. It also helps with the beautiful char on the grill.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Finely diced or minced fresh garlic and ginger are non-negotiable for their aromatic punch and vibrant flavor. Powdered alternatives simply won’t yield the same robust taste.
• Cornstarch: Used to create a slurry with water, it’s the secret to thickening the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy, clingy consistency.
• Water: Essential for the cornstarch slurry and to help thin the sauce to the right consistency.
• Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions not only add a pop of color but also a delicate nutty flavor and fresh crunch that perfectly complements the rich chicken.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating an unforgettable meal!

How To Make Perfectly Grilled Bourbon Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare juicy, flavorful grilled bourbon chicken that’s bursting with sweet and savory goodness:

1. 
   Prepare the Bourbon Sauce Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. This cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce later. Once smooth, add all the other sauce ingredients: soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, finely diced garlic, and finely diced ginger. Whisk everything together thoroughly until well combined.

2. 
   Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and place it over medium to medium-high heat. It’s crucial to whisk frequently as the sauce contains a fair amount of sugar, which can easily burn. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk for about two minutes, or until it has noticeably thickened and can coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

3. 
   Prepare and Skewer the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into uniformly sized pieces. For optimal grilling, aim for pieces that are roughly 1.5 to 2 inches. This size allows for quicker, more even cooking and makes them ideal for skewering. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least one hour prior to grilling to prevent them from burning on the hot grates. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are snug but not overly compressed. Arrange them on a platter, ready for the grill.

4. 
   Grill and Baste the Chicken: Preheat your grill to a medium heat. Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Place the skewered chicken thighs directly over the heat. Cook the chicken, turning the skewers frequently to allow all sides to develop a beautiful color and some initial char. Once the chicken has a decent base color, begin applying the prepared bourbon sauce generously over the top of the chicken. Turn the skewers, and repeat the basting process on all sides. Continue to do this, building layers of that delicious, sticky sauce on the chicken. The frequent turning prevents the sugary sauce from burning while allowing it to caramelize beautifully.

5. 
   Achieve Perfect Doneness and Serve: Continue grilling and basting until the chicken reaches your preferred level of color and char. For safety and optimal tenderness, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken thighs registers at least 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer. For dark meat like thighs, many chefs prefer cooking to 175°F to 180°F (79°C to 82°C) for extra tenderness and flavor. Once cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Optionally, brush them with any remaining warm bourbon sauce for an extra glossy finish. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing it from the skewers. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.

6. 
   Final Presentation: Remove the chicken from the skewers and arrange it on a serving platter. This sticky, delightful chicken is fantastic with any of your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes. For an added touch of elegance and flavor, garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

Expert Tips for Grilling Bourbon Chicken

Achieve grilling perfection with these helpful tips designed to make your bourbon chicken outstanding:

• Uniform Chicken Pieces: For the most consistent cooking and appealing presentation, ensure your chicken thighs are cut into roughly uniform sizes. This prevents smaller pieces from overcooking and larger ones from remaining undercooked.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: If you opt for wooden skewers, don’t skip the crucial step of soaking them in water for at least an hour before grilling. This prevents them from igniting and charring excessively over the heat.
• Maintain Medium Heat: The bourbon sauce is rich in sugars, which can burn quickly over high heat. Keep your grill at a consistent medium temperature to allow the sauce to caramelize slowly and evenly, developing a beautiful, deep color without charring too much.
• Frequent Turning and Layered Basting: Turn the chicken skewers regularly, especially after applying the sauce. This helps to cook the chicken evenly and allows the sauce to build up in delicious, sticky layers on all sides, enhancing the flavor and texture.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce Thickening: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for the recommended time, stirring often, until it achieves a spoon-coating consistency. A properly thickened sauce will cling better to the chicken, creating that desirable glaze.
• Clean and Oiled Grates: Always start with clean grill grates that have been lightly oiled. This significantly reduces the chance of the chicken sticking, especially with the sugary sauce.
• Rest Your Chicken: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken.

Delicious Variations to Try

This grilled bourbon chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adjust it to your taste preferences:

• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, incorporate a tablespoon of Sriracha sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or finely diced fresh jalapeños into the bourbon sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Alternate Sweeteners: Experiment with different sweeteners to alter the depth of flavor. Substitute half of the brown sugar with honey for a richer, floral sweetness and an even thicker glaze, or try maple syrup for a distinct, earthy note.
• Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are perfect, this sauce also works wonderfully with other proteins. Try it with pork tenderloin, shrimp, firm tofu, or even hearty portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Marinade Your Chicken: For an even deeper flavor infusion, reserve about a quarter cup of the prepared sauce before thickening it, and use it to marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, before skewering and grilling.
• Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh orange or lime juice added to the sauce during the last minute of cooking, or just before serving, can add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Bourbon Chicken

This flavorful bourbon chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating a well-rounded and delicious meal. The sticky sauce cries out for something to soak it up!

• Rice: A classic pairing. Simple white rice, jasmine rice, or even our Cilantro Lime Rice would be fantastic choices to complement the sweet and savory chicken.
• Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve alongside our Easy Vegetable Lo Mein. The rich sauce of the chicken harmonizes perfectly with the flavors of lo mein.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or snap peas provide a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich chicken.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing balance.
• Coleslaw: The creamy tang of coleslaw can be a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the bourbon chicken.

Other Easy And Delicious Grilled Recipes

Grilled Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Make your BBQ unforgettable with our Grilled Bourbon Chicken, where savory meets sweet in a dish that’s bound to impress.

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Course:
Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine:
American, Asian

Prep Time:
15 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes minutes

Servings:
6

Calories:
432kcal

Ingredients

 

Chicken

• 2 lb Chicken thighs cut to desired size

Bourbon Sauce

• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 cup Soy sauce Low sodium (or regular)
• 1/4 cup Bourbon
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp Garlic diced finely
• 1 tsp Ginger diced finely
• Sesame seeds optional
• Green onions cut on a bias, optional.

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Add soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger. Whisk together.
  1/2 cup Water,
  1 tbsp Cornstarch,
  1/2 cup Soy sauce,
  1/4 cup Bourbon,
  1/4 cup Brown sugar,
  1/4 cup Hoisin sauce,
  1 tsp Garlic,
  1 tsp Ginger
• Over medium to medium-high heat, cook the sauce while whisking often, until it simmers and thickens enough to coat a spoon, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Cut chicken thighs into preferred sizes. If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least one hour. Skewer the chicken pieces.
  2 lb Chicken thighs
• Place skewers on grill over medium heat. Grill, turning often, until chicken develops color. Baste with sauce, turn, and repeat to build flavor layers.
• Cook to internal temperature of at least165°F (175°F to 180°F is recommended). Remove from grill, let rest. Serve
• Optionally, Serve garnished with sesame seeds and green onions alongside your favorite sides.
  Sesame seeds,
  Green onions

Notes

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave, covered, to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal |
Carbohydrates: 17g |
Protein: 27g |
Fat: 26g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 149mg |
Sodium: 1386mg |
Potassium: 380mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 12g |
Vitamin A: 119IU |
Vitamin C: 0.2mg |
Calcium: 29mg |
Iron: 2mg