This Easy Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is tasty and simple to make! Sweet and sticky with a touch of bourbon flavor, it’s a chicken dish that makes your taste buds dance!
I love whipping this up on my griddle. It cooks fast, and the aroma fills the kitchen like a warm hug. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs add a bit more flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast is fantastic as well, but don’t overcook it!
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a rich depth to the sauce. If you prefer, you could use a whiskey or even an apple cider (without alcohol) for a sweeter flavor. Just be aware that it won’t have the same depth.
Vegetables: I like using a mix of bell peppers for color and sweetness. If you’re out of bell peppers, feel free to add snap peas, carrots, or even zucchini. They add nice texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: This creates that lovely sticky glaze. If you need a substitute, you can use honey or maple syrup, but reduce it slightly to ensure it isn’t too sweet.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
To get juicy chicken with loads of flavor, slicing it thinly is key. Thin pieces cook faster and soak in the sauce better. When adding it to the hot griddle, let it sear undisturbed for those first couple of minutes. This helps lock in juices!
- Make sure your griddle is hot enough before adding chicken.
- Avoid crowding the chicken pieces; cook in batches if necessary.
And remember, keep tossing the chicken after that initial sear for even cooking and absorption of the sauce!
Easy Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (a mix of red, yellow, orange)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or ground
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or oil suitable for griddle cooking
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal option of 25 minutes total! Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and ginger until the sugar has dissolved completely. Set this tasty mixture aside for later.
2. Heat the Griddle:
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Swipe a tablespoon of vegetable oil across the surface to ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the griddle. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize nicely. Once they’re looking good, push them to the side of the griddle so they stay warm.
4. Cook the Chicken:
If necessary, add a bit more oil, then lay the thinly sliced chicken in a single layer on the hot griddle. Sprinkle black pepper over the top. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice sear. This will help keep it juicy!
5. Combine & Simmer:
After that initial sear, toss the chicken around to finish cooking through, which should take another 3-4 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left. Then, gently mix in the sautéed onions and peppers.
6. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared bourbon sauce over the chicken and veggies. Give everything a good toss so that all the pieces are nicely coated in that sweet, sticky sauce.
7. Caramelize & Thicken:
Continue to stir everything for a few minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken, creating a glossy coating that makes the dish look irresistible!
8. Serve:
Once it’s all cooked and caramelized to perfection, remove it from heat and serve it hot. It goes wonderfully over steamed rice or alongside your favorite sides like broccoli or a fresh salad.
Enjoy this delightful, sweet, smoky, and sticky Bourbon Chicken that’s so easy to make right on your griddle! Perfect for any day of the week! 🍗✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and tend to have a richer flavor, making them a great choice for this recipe. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, pressed and cut into cubes. Cook them until golden and crispy, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
If you don’t have bourbon on hand, other whiskeys will work as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use apple cider or omit the alcohol entirely, increasing the amount of brown sugar or adding a splash of apple juice for sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
