If you love bold, sweet, and savory flavors all wrapped up in tender, juicy chicken, you are going to absolutely adore this Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of bourbon’s deep richness and a perfect balance of tangy and spicy notes that come alive thanks to a simple yet thoughtful marinade. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend cookout, this recipe delivers a show-stopping dish with that irresistible caramelized glaze cooked right on your Blackstone griddle, making every bite a delicious celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the full flavor and texture of this dish. From the warmth of ginger and garlic to the sweet depth of brown sugar and honey, every component works together to create a balanced and mouthwatering experience.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (2 pounds): Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Bourbon (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, caramel undertone that’s signature to this recipe’s unique taste.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings a salty umami depth that enhances the savory profile.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the griddle.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds smooth sweetness and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Contributes a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses a complex, slightly smoky flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps in marinating and ensures a non-stick cooking surface.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Gives a punch of aromatic freshness to the marinade.
- Grated fresh ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right hint of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds crunch.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty flavor and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Begin by whisking together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, layering sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy elements that will soak right into the chicken, making every bite flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken pieces into the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in that delicious marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you can wait longer, letting the chicken soak overnight produces the most tender, flavorful result that will impress your taste buds.
Step 3: Preheat and oil the Blackstone griddle
Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface so the chicken does not stick. This step is key to achieving a gorgeous caramelized crust without losing any of the marinade’s flavor in the process.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken on the griddle and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll notice the chicken developing that perfect golden glaze and mouthwatering caramelization that’s signature to this Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Make the bourbon sauce
While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a luscious sauce. This reduction intensifies the flavors and creates an irresistible coating for the chicken.
Step 6: Coat chicken with sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, drizzle the thickened bourbon sauce over the chicken on the griddle, gently turning each piece so it’s evenly coated. This final touch locks in moisture and adds that sticky, shiny appeal that elevates the dish.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top to add freshness, crunch, and a gorgeous presentation. The garnishes also balance out the sweet and savory flavors with a little brightness.
Step 8: Enjoy your creation
Serve your Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken hot alongside your favorite sides, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are perfect because they add pops of color and subtle crunch that complement the tender chicken beautifully. Feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squirt of lime juice for extra zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all those fantastic sauces. Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or bell peppers also make a vibrant and healthy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of crispy lettuce wraps or even in warm tortillas for floating flavors in a taco-style meal. You can also pile it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter but satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover chicken completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days to keep the flavors fresh and the chicken tender.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the cooked chicken freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the chicken’s caramelized glaze and tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, but breasts will still be delicious if cooked carefully without overcooking.
Do I need a Blackstone griddle to make this recipe?
While the Blackstone griddle is perfect for achieving that signature sear and caramelization, you can also use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan at medium-high heat to get similar results.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The minimum marinating time is 2 hours, but if you plan ahead, marinating overnight brings the richest flavor and most tender texture.
Is the bourbon cooked off during the cooking process?
Yes, when you simmer the marinade and cook the chicken on the griddle, most of the alcohol content evaporates, leaving behind the delicious depth of flavor without the strong alcohol taste.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade to kick up the heat according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a brilliant way to turn simple ingredients into a flavor-packed feast that your whole family or friends will rave about. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for entertaining. So pull out your griddle, mix up that marinade, and get ready to dive into a dish that satisfies every craving for sweet, tangy, and savory goodness all in one bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for that perfect chicken dinner.
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Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and succulent chicken dish marinated in a rich blend of bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and spices, then cooked to perfection on a Blackstone griddle for a caramelized glaze. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe is perfect for a quick, savory meal that pairs beautifully with rice or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the Griddle: Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the surface to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade using a slotted spoon, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot griddle and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a caramelized, glossy glaze.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens into a rich sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Drizzle the thickened bourbon sauce over the chicken on the griddle, turning the pieces to coat them evenly with the luscious glaze for extra flavor and shine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the cooked chicken generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add fresh aroma and a subtle crunch.
- Serve: Serve the griddle bourbon chicken hot alongside your favorite sides such as steamed rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- If you don’t have a Blackstone griddle, a heavy skillet or cast iron pan can be used on the stovetop.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to boil the leftover marinade to eliminate any raw chicken bacteria before using as a sauce.
- Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts for this recipe.
