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Flavorful Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers

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These sticky bourbon chicken skewers feature a caramelized glaze with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Ideal for quick grilling and impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. (5 minutes)
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours.
  3. Prepare skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. (10 minutes)
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush grill grates or pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)
  5. Grill the skewers: Place skewers on grill and cook for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade or glaze during the last 5 minutes to caramelize and get sticky. Avoid burning sugars. Chicken should reach internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Serve warm.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour but no more than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Use medium heat and turn skewers frequently to prevent glaze from burning. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Can substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit for non-alcoholic version by adding extra apple cider vinegar and water.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon chicken, chicken skewers, sticky glaze, grilled chicken, easy BBQ recipe, bourbon glaze, backyard grilling

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/flavorful-sticky-bourbon-chicken-skewers-recipe-easy-homemade-guide-to-impress-guests/