This tasty Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is full of flavor, combining tender chicken bites with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. Cooking it on the griddle gives it a nice sear!
Who doesn’t love a dish that cooks quickly and tastes like a restaurant special? I usually serve it over rice for a filling meal, and my family can’t get enough! 🍚🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary!
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you don’t have bourbon, you could use whiskey or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic option. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
Soy Sauce: This provides a savory depth to the marinade. For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari sauce instead. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter result.
Bell Peppers: The red and yellow bell peppers add color and sweetness. If bell peppers aren’t your thing, feel free to swap in zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas for different textures.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and minced garlic bring great flavor to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, use ginger powder and garlic powder instead, but fresh is always best for a punchy flavor!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The secret to great chicken is controlling the heat and timing. Make sure your griddle is hot enough before adding the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Preheat the griddle with oil until shimmering. This helps to sear the chicken nicely.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for it to brown nicely on the outside.
- Don’t forget to check if it’s fully cooked—an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s safe to eat!
Marginally adjusting the timing can keep your chicken juicy. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with it!
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken On The Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Blackstone Bourbon Chicken recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook. Including marination time, plan for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours if you have the time to let the flavors soak in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the brown sugar dissolves completely. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure they’re all covered well. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you can. This will make your chicken super tasty!
3. Heat the Griddle:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your griddle over medium-high heat. Pour the vegetable oil onto the surface and let it heat up. You want it nice and hot before the chicken goes on!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot griddle along with any leftover marinade. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see the chicken start to brown and get deliciously fragrant!
5. Add the Veggies:
Once the chicken is browning, toss in the diced red and yellow bell peppers and onion. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the peppers get tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Drizzle this over the cooking chicken and veggies. Give everything a good stir. This will help thicken up your sauce nicely!
7. Final Cooking:
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce has thickened to your liking. Smell that wonderful aroma!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Take it off the heat and if you like, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve your Bourbon Chicken hot, over rice or noodles, and enjoy this tasty meal with family and friends!
Can I Substitute the Chicken Thighs for Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor the cooking time. If you want a different protein, pork tenderloin or tofu (for a vegetarian option) would work well too—just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still create a delicious dish. A mix of apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio can also add some tang that mimics the bourbon’s complexity.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add the chicken and veggies back to a skillet or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible; you can add other veggies like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking, and add them to the griddle along with the bell peppers for best results.
