This Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is a tasty way to make dinner fun! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked until golden brown, then coated in a sweet and sticky bourbon sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Cooking this on the griddle means you get a nice char while keeping the chicken tender. I love serving it with rice to soak up that delicious sauce—trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for their tenderness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts can work, but they may be less juicy.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness and color, but you can easily swap them for green peppers for a more bitter taste, or use other vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
Bourbon: Bourbon brings a rich flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic option, you can use apple cider or a splash of vinegar to mimic acidity without the alcohol.
Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (a gluten-free option) is a good substitution. For a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos works well.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds brightness and spiciness. If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or try grated ginger paste for convenience.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Flavorful and Juicy?
Marinating your chicken is key to infusing flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by mixing the marinade ingredients (soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ginger, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes) until well combined.
- Place the sliced chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors.
- When you cook the chicken on the griddle, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat and keep it juicy.
Don’t rush this step! The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor will be. If you have time, marinating overnight can really make a difference.
Delicious Blackstone Bourbon Chicken On The Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Marinade and Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time letting the chicken marinate (15-30 minutes), but the actual cooking on the griddle goes pretty quickly. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Griddle:
Start by preheating your griddle on medium-high heat. Getting it hot is key for a nice sear on the chicken!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together well to create a delicious marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they’re well coated. Let the chicken sit for about 15-30 minutes. This will help infuse the flavors into the meat.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once the griddle is hot, pour in the vegetable oil. Then, add the marinated chicken pieces to the griddle, spreading them out evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
5. Add Veggies:
Next, mix in the diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic with the chicken. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Add Remaining Marinade:
If you have any leftover marinade in the bowl, pour it over the chicken and veggies. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to intensify the flavors. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth it!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked, remove it from the heat. Top your dish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds for a nice touch. Serve hot over rice, or enjoy it straight from the griddle!
Enjoy your delicious Blackstone Bourbon Chicken prepared on the griddle!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just be sure to slice them into even bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through at the same rate. Chicken breasts may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious! If you’re using chicken broth, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract for sweetness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Blackstone Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just cut them into similar sizes as the bell peppers so they cook evenly. You may need to give them an extra minute or two to become tender!
