This Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is fun and super tasty! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked to perfection on the griddle with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. Yum!
Making this dish is so simple, and the smell? Absolutely amazing! I love serving it over rice, soaking up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast is the star here, providing lean protein. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier result. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or seitan marinated in the same sauce.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish its umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, tamari works great. For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavor but cut down on salt.
Bourbon: This adds depth to the sauce. If you’re avoiding alcohol, apple juice or a mix of vanilla extract and water can mimic the sweetness and aroma without the alcohol.
Brown Sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar or honey if you want a different sweetness profile. Just remember to adjust quantities as honey is sweeter than brown sugar!
Bell Pepper: Any color works, and it’s all about personal preference. If you don’t have bell peppers, try using another crunchy vegetable like zucchini or carrots for some variation.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor While Marinating the Chicken?
Marinating is key for infusing flavor into the chicken. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely for even flavor.
- Coat the chicken well with the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, aim for 1-2 hours.
- Keep the chicken in a sealed bag or container to prevent spillage and ensure it’s covered in the marinade.
By marinating longer, you allow the flavors to penetrate deeper, leading to a more delicious dish. Remember to reserve some marinade for cooking to enhance the flavors during the final cooking steps!
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Cooking:
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (up to 2 hours for extra flavor). Cooking on the griddle will take about 15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes to an hour to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick). Stir everything until the sugar is dissolved, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece gets well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
3. Heat Up the Griddle:
Preheat your griddle over medium-high heat and pour the vegetable oil onto the surface. Let it heat up until it’s nice and hot, perfect for cooking the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once the oil is ready, carefully add the marinated chicken to the griddle (reserve the marinade for later). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to be cooked through and starting to caramelize for that delicious flavor.
5. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss the diced onion and bell pepper onto the griddle with the chicken. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the veggies are tender and colorful.
6. Add the Marinade:
Now it’s time for the magic! Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and veggies on the griddle. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, which will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and coat everything beautifully.
7. Finish and Garnish:
Once done, remove the griddle from the heat. Garnish your tasty bourbon chicken with sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Blackstone Bourbon Chicken hot! You can enjoy it on its own or serve it over rice for a hearty meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Alternative Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breast works great, you can substitute with thighs or drumsticks for a juicier flavor. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted accordingly, as dark meat tends to take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with additional apple cider vinegar and a splash of apple juice for sweetness. Alternatively, use non-alcoholic bourbon or skip it altogether, adding extra brown sugar for sweetness in the marinade.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave, adding a little water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before for even better flavor. Just make sure to cover it well in the refrigerator. This dish also holds up well when reheated, making it a great option for meal prep!
