This Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is a tasty dish you can make right on your griddle! With sweet bourbon, soy sauce, and fresh veggies, it’s packed with flavor.
I love how quick it cooks—perfect for busy nights! Just toss everything together, and you’ll have a yummy meal ready in no time. Plus, the smell is amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken breasts work well too, just be careful not to overcook them!
Bourbon: Bourbon gives that deep flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, try using apple cider vinegar or a mix of apple juice with a splash of vanilla extract for a similar sweet note.
Soy Sauce: This is key for umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that works beautifully too.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the soy sauce. For a healthier option, you can use honey or coconut sugar instead, but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions add color and crunch. Feel free to swap for other veggies like zucchini or snap peas, depending on what you have on hand!
How Do I Get My Chicken to Cook Just Right on the Griddle?
Cooking chicken perfectly on a griddle means getting that nice sear while ensuring it’s juicy inside. Here’s how to do that:
- Make sure your griddle is properly preheated. This helps brown the chicken quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the chicken on the griddle; it needs space for heat to circulate.
- Stir frequently but let it sit a bit between stirs for that golden color to form.
- Keep an eye on it; chicken thighs will take about 8-10 minutes, and they’re done once they reach 165°F internally.
Following these steps will give you chicken that’s crispy outside and tender inside. Happy cooking!
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
For the Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or both), diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bourbon Chicken recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook. Plus, you can marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes (or longer) for the best flavor. All in all, you’re looking at around 1 hour for the complete process, including marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a tasty marinade. Add the sliced chicken thighs into the bowl and make sure they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating longer will boost the flavor!
2. Preheating the Griddle:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil once it’s hot, making sure to coat the surface for even cooking.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the griddle. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Adding Vegetables:
Now it’s time to toss in the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté everything together on the griddle for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are tender-crisp and colorful.
5. Simmering for Flavor:
Lower the heat to low for a few minutes. This lets the sauce thicken up a bit. Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
6. Serving Time:
Dish out the bourbon chicken while it’s hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish is fantastic served over rice or noodles, so feel free to make a tasty base for your meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice, chicken broth, or a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and a bit of water. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor, but they will still add a nice depth to the chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No problem! You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust the seasoning to your preference.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the griddle or stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, or snap peas would all work wonderfully. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
