Description
Bourbon Chicken Skewers are sweet, sticky, savory, and grilled to perfection—everything you want in an easy dinner recipe or BBQ favorite. These juicy chicken bites are marinated in a bold bourbon-soy glaze, then cooked until slightly charred and bursting with flavor. Ideal for summer cookouts, weekend meals, or flavorful food ideas that come together with minimal fuss, this dish belongs in your go-to list for quick dinner ideas and grilled recipes.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
1/3 cup bourbon
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Reserve a few tablespoons for glazing later.
2. Cut chicken into 1.5-inch pieces and toss them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between for even cooking.
5. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and lightly charred.
6. In a small saucepan, heat the reserved marinade and whisk in cornstarch to thicken it into a glaze.
7. Brush the cooked skewers with glaze, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple juice or bourbon extract.
Thighs stay juicier on the grill, but chicken breast works well for a leaner option.
Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or pineapple for a balanced and vibrant meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 batch)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: bourbon chicken, chicken skewers, grilled chicken, bbq chicken skewers, easy grilling recipes