This Blackstone Bourbon Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for a crowd! It’s got juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce cooked right on the griddle.
You can’t go wrong with chicken and a little bourbon flavor to spice things up. I love making extra so I can enjoy it as leftovers—it’s even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: This gives the dish its unique flavor. If you prefer, you can swap it for apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative if you want to avoid alcohol.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. For a gluten-free option, tamari works well and gives a similar taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. In a pinch, you can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar, but brown sugar really balances the flavors in this dish.
Chicken Breast: You could use thighs for extra juiciness, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Bell Peppers: Feel free to substitute with other colors or even vegetables like zucchini or broccoli based on your taste. They all add a nice crunch!
How Do You Get a Delicious Caramelization on the Chicken?
Caramelization is key to achieving great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure the griddle is hot enough before adding the chicken; a medium-high heat works best.
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle! Give each piece space to sear nicely.
- After adding the chicken, let it cook for a few minutes before stirring. This allows a nice crust to form.
Keep an eye on it to avoid burning—stir occasionally, but not too often! You want that beautiful brown color for great taste.
How to Make Blackstone Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the griddle will take around 10 minutes. So, set aside about 50 minutes to enjoy this wonderful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well-mixed. This tasty marinade will infuse the chicken with all those delicious flavors!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure all the pieces are coated well. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate longer will enhance the flavor even more!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the vegetable oil. Then, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes or until they start to soften. This will add a lovely crunch and sweetness to your dish!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time for the star of the show! Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the griddle and add the marinated chicken to the other side. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked all the way through and has a beautiful caramelized color.
5. Combine and Finish:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, mix it with the sautéed vegetables on the griddle. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. It’ll smell amazing!
6. Season and Serve:
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for that perfect finishing touch. Serve it hot and enjoy your savory Blackstone Bourbon Chicken!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly: pork may take a bit longer to cook through, whereas tofu should be sautéed until golden and heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you don’t have bourbon on hand or prefer not to use it, try substituting with apple juice or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a similar sweetness and depth of flavor. You can also use chicken broth mixed with a touch of vanilla extract as a replacement!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating!
