Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is a tasty dish that’s sweet and slightly tangy, cooked right on your griddle! It combines chicken pieces with a yummy bourbon sauce, making every bite so flavorful.
Cooking this dish on the griddle makes it extra fun! I love how quickly it cooks, and the smell in the kitchen is simply amazing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they remain juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead, but they may be slightly drier.
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a rich flavor, but if you want a non-alcoholic version, apple juice works great! You’ll lose the depth but still get a lovely sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce gives a deeper color and flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead. It tastes similar without the gluten!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. You can substitute it with coconut sugar or even honey if you want a natural alternative.
Pepper Variety: Using red and yellow bell peppers adds sweetness and color. Feel free to mix it up with green peppers or any other color you prefer!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken on the Griddle?
Cooking chicken on a griddle is all about controlling the heat! Here’s how to make sure your chicken turns out beautifully every time:
- Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat, so it’s hot enough to sear the chicken.
- Add vegetable oil, and make sure it covers the cooking surface.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the griddle—this allows for even cooking and browning.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring too much. This way, you get that nice caramelization!
- Stir occasionally to ensure all pieces are cooked through, about 165°F internally.
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken On The Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon (or substitute with apple juice for non-alcoholic version)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bourbon chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for marinating. Cooking on the griddle will take around 10-12 minutes. In total, you can enjoy this delicious dish in under 2 hours including the marinate time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until everything is well combined. This marinade is what gives the chicken that tasty flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat of the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For an even better flavor, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Griddle:
Once your chicken is marinated and you’re ready to cook, preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil to the griddle and let it heat up until it’s hot and shimmery.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out and place it on the hot griddle. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it gets a nice golden brown color and is cooked all the way through.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced onion and bell peppers onto the griddle with the chicken. Keep cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the veggies are tender and have a little char to them.
6. Season and Sauce It Up:
Now, sprinkle a little salt and pepper over everything to taste. In the last minute of cooking, drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure everything gets coated with that delicious sauce!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once you’re happy with how everything looks and smells, take it off the heat. Garnish your bourbon chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you’d like. Serve it hot over rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful that chicken breasts can dry out more quickly than thighs, so take care to avoid overcooking them. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly to keep them juicy!
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for a non-alcoholic version. The apple juice will give you a sweet flavor similar to bourbon. If you’d like to add a hint of smokiness, consider adding a touch of liquid smoke or a few drops of barbecue sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or carrots to the mix. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking, and add them to the griddle slightly earlier if they take longer to soften.
