As I stand at my griddle, the aroma of bourbon mingling with brown sugar immediately transports me to a cozy Southern diner, where every bite feels like a warm hug. This Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together effortlessly. With a quick prep and minimal clean-up, this dish transforms lean chicken breasts into a sweet-and-savory masterpiece. If you’re seeking a reliable crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this comforting recipe has you covered. Picture juicy, caramelized chicken glazed to perfection, ready to be paired with a side of fried rice or fresh vegetables. Who wouldn’t want a taste of this delightful culinary escape? Ready to dive into the magic of bourbon? Let’s get cooking! Why is Bourbon Chicken a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The deep, smoky notes of bourbon meld beautifully with sweet brown sugar, creating an unforgettable glaze. Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe can be on your table in just 30 minutes! Versatile Pairings: Serve it with Asian-style fried rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. If you love easy cooking, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken for another fantastic dish! Crowd-Pleasing Delight: It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Easy Clean-Up: With minimal dishes involved, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pans! Customizable: Feel free to swap the bourbon for rye whiskey or add in some colorful veggies for added nutrition. Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Ingredients For the Marinade • Chicken Breasts – Lean protein that absorbs the marinade flavors, resulting in juicy, tender cooked chicken. • Bourbon Whiskey – Adds smoky depth and sweetness to the sauce; can substitute with rye whiskey or rum for flavor variations. • Brown Sugar – Provides rich sweetness while caramelizing during cooking; ensures a luscious glaze. • Soy Sauce – Contributes umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness. • Apple Cider Vinegar – Cuts through the sweetness with its acidity, enhancing flavor and tenderizing the chicken. • Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth and moisture to the marinade. • Garlic (minced) – Provides aromatic depth, complementing the sweetness of the other ingredients. • Fresh Ginger (grated) – Adds a peppery brightness that enhances the overall flavor profile. • Onion (chopped) – Contributes flavor and sweetness to the marinade; use red or yellow onions interchangeably. For the Sauce • Cornstarch – Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy finish. • Water – Dissolves the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. For Cooking • Vegetable Oil – Prevents the chicken from sticking to the griddle and helps achieve a sear. • Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken. For Garnish (Optional) • Green Onions – Adds color and a mild onion flavor. • Sesame Seeds – Provides a delightful crunch and nutty taste. Dive into the delicious layers of flavor with this Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken recipe that’s sure to impress! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mix until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a rich and fragrant marinade. This step sets the foundation for the delicious flavors of your Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken breasts into a zip-top bag or glass dish, then pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the marinade, ensuring maximum flavor when cooked. Step 3: Preheat the Griddle Set your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and allow it to warm up for about 10 minutes. Once heated, drizzle a thin layer of vegetable oil across the griddle surface to prevent sticking. The oil will shimmer when ready, indicating it’s the perfect time to cook your marinated chicken. Step 4: Prep the Chicken Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. This step is crucial for your Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken, ensuring a well-seasoned and delicious final dish. Step 5: Cook the Chicken Carefully place the seasoned chicken on the hot griddle and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn the chicken only once to achieve the best caramelization and visual appeal. Step 6: Heat Marinade While the chicken is cooking, strain any remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Boiling the marinade not only cleanses it of contaminants but also intensifies its flavors, preparing it for the next step. Step 7: Thicken the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Once the marinade reaches a rolling boil, gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrup-like consistency perfect for glazing. Step 8: Glaze the Chicken Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the griddle and brush generously with the thickened sauce. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes; this step seals in the juices and enhances the flavors, making your Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken even more delightful. Step 9: Serve Slice the glazed chicken into strips and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle with additional sauce if desired, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a touch of color and crunch. Serve your Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken alongside rice or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal. What to Serve with Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken? Elevate your mealtime by pairing this delectable dish with sides that complement its rich, smoky sweetness and enhance your dining experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness balances the sweetness of the bourbon glaze beautifully, creating a comforting and filling plate. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh and vibrant, steamed broccoli adds a crunchy texture and bright color, providing a nice contrast to the tender, glazed chicken. Asian Fried Rice: Fluffy rice sautéed with vegetables harmonizes with the flavors of the chicken, making your meal feel complete and satisfying. Garlic Green Beans: Their crisp-tender texture and garlicky flavor bring a fresh, savory note, enhancing the overall taste of your dinner. Simple Garden Salad: A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette adds brightness, refreshing your palate between bites of rich chicken. Sautéed Zucchini: This quick side offers a light, mild taste that does not compete with the bourbon chicken’s assertive flavors while adding nutritional value. Sweet Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of fresh corn echoes those caramelized notes, providing a fun and tasty side that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this crisp white wine pairs wonderfully with the sweetness and acidity of the dish, enhancing your meal’s overall experience. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet finish, indulge in warm chocolate chip cookies that offer a nostalgic touch, complementing the bourbon’s sweetness delightfully. Make Ahead Options These Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken are an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse. Simply whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, and ginger, then pour over the chicken in a zip-top bag and refrigerate. For best results, remove the chicken from the marinade and season just before grilling to maintain its juicy texture. When ready to cook, just heat your griddle, grill the chicken, and glaze with the reserved sauce for a deliciously hassle-free meal! How to Store and Freeze Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Fridge: Store leftover Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Keep It Sealed: To maintain its delicious taste and prevent freezer burn, ensure the chicken is well-wrapped or sealed before freezing. Expert Tips for Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. This allows the bourbon and spices to deeply penetrate the meat. Check Heat Levels: Ensure your griddle is preheated properly before adding the chicken. An adequately heated griddle promotes a perfect sear and caramelization, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal. Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the griddle. This ensures each piece of chicken gets adequate heat and caramelization, leading to that beautifully glazed finish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture, resulting in a succulent Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken experience. Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Variations Feel free to explore these exciting twists on the classic bourbon chicken and make this dish your own! Rye Whiskey: Swap out bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier, more robust flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. It adds a new dimension to your glaze! Vegetable Medley: Toss in colorful bell peppers or snap peas on the griddle for a vibrant one-pan meal. The veggies absorb the marinade, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Pineapple Addition: Add fresh pineapple chunks to the grill for a tropical twist. The caramelized sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the bourbon glaze, creating a delightful contrast. Spicy Kick: Introduce a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for those who crave heat. The extra warmth elevates the dish, making it even more irresistible! Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the marinade. Their fragrant notes meld beautifully with the sweet and smoky flavors, providing a lovely aromatic depth. Honey Glaze: Replace brown sugar with honey for an equally sweet yet distinct twist. This adds a honeyed richness to the glaze that’s absolutely addictive! Cooking Method: If you don’t have a Blackstone griddle, try using a cast-iron skillet. It provides a beautiful sear while maintaining the juicy texture of the chicken. If you’re looking for more delicious ways to enjoy chicken, why not try my savory Garlic Butter Chicken? It’s another favorite that your family will love! Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I select the best chicken breasts for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for chicken breasts that are plump and firm, without any dark spots or discoloration. They should be pale pink with a slight sheen. Organic or free-range options can also enhance the flavor, but regular chicken breasts work beautifully as well. What is the best way to store leftover Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken? Really easy! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool down before sealing it; this helps retain moisture and flavor. Can I freeze the Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken? Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a bag to prevent freezer burn. Just label the bag with the date for easy tracking! What should I do if the chicken isn’t cooking evenly on the griddle? Great question! If the chicken is browning too quickly but is undercooked inside, try lowering the heat and cooking it a bit longer. If it’s cooking unevenly, you can also use a meat mallet to pound the breasts to an even thickness before cooking, ensuring more consistent doneness. Is this recipe safe for people with gluten allergies? Very important to note! To make this Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken gluten-free, swap out soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or liquid aminos, which provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten. Always check labels to ensure the bourbon also meets your dietary needs. How do I reheat frozen Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken? Taking it step by step is helpful! First, transfer the frozen chicken to the fridge the night before to allow it to thaw. Once it’s defrosted, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 7 to 10 minutes. If microwave reheating, use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the chicken. Enjoy the meal as if you just made it! Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken: Sweet & Smoky Family Favorite A delightful Griddle Blackstone Bourbon Chicken recipe that combines sweet and smoky flavors, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsMarinating Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: SouthernCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Marinade2 lbs Chicken Breasts Lean protein that absorbs the marinade flavors.1/2 cup Bourbon Whiskey Adds smoky depth and sweetness.1/4 cup Brown Sugar Provides rich sweetness.1/4 cup Soy Sauce Contributes umami and saltiness.2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Cuts through the sweetness.1/4 cup Chicken Broth Adds savory depth and moisture.3 cloves Garlic (minced) Provides aromatic depth.1 in Fresh Ginger (grated) Adds brightness to the flavor.1 medium Onion (chopped) Contributes flavor and sweetness.For the Sauce1 tbsp Cornstarch Used as a thickening agent.1/4 cup Water Dissolves the cornstarch.For Cooking1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Prevents sticking on the griddle.to taste Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings.For Garnish (Optional)2 tbsp Green Onions Adds color and mild flavor.1 tbsp Sesame Seeds Provides crunch and nutty taste. Equipment Blackstone griddle Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until the sugar dissolves completely.Place the chicken breasts into a zip-top bag or glass dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Drizzle a thin layer of vegetable oil across the griddle surface.Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Season both sides with salt and pepper.Place the seasoned chicken on the griddle and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden-brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).While the chicken cooks, strain any remaining marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Once the marinade boils, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.Remove the chicken from the griddle and brush with the thickened sauce. Let it rest for a few minutes.Slice the glazed chicken into strips, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and serve alongside rice or vegetables. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg NotesFor maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooking chicken. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
