If you’ve ever wandered through a food court and been lured by the sweet, sticky smell of bourbon chicken, this recipe is for you! These Bourbon Chicken Skewers bring all that nostalgic flavor right to your backyard grill. Each juicy bite is perfectly marinated in a sweet and savory bourbon glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
Perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something indulgently delicious, these skewers are a showstopper. The secret is the rich sauce — a magical mix of bourbon, brown sugar, soy, and a kiss of spice — that transforms simple chicken into an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with rice, veggies, or just enjoy them straight off the stick!
Full Recipe:
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2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/3 cup soy sauce
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1/3 cup bourbon
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
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Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden
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Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Once simmering, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add to the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
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Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour half of the cooled sauce over the chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
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Preheat grill to medium heat (around 400°F).
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Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
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Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved sauce, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours marinating | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Bourbon Chicken Skewers
Bourbon Chicken Skewers are the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, bringing together the best elements of classic American grilling and rich Asian-inspired sauces. If you’ve ever walked through a bustling mall food court and been captivated by the irresistible aroma of bourbon chicken, you’ll immediately recognize the nostalgic taste these skewers deliver. Succulent pieces of marinated chicken are grilled to juicy perfection and generously glazed with a sauce that balances bourbon’s deep caramel notes with tangy soy and sweet brown sugar.
Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned grillmasters, these skewers are designed to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual family dinner, a weekend barbecue, or a festive gathering, Bourbon Chicken Skewers promise a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that fits a variety of occasions.
The History and Inspiration Behind Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is believed to have originated in New Orleans, named after Bourbon Street, not necessarily because of the whiskey (though bourbon whiskey often finds its way into the sauce). This dish reflects the vibrant cultural blend of New Orleans cuisine — a little Southern, a little Asian, a lot flavorful. Over the years, it became a food court staple across America, loved for its addictive sweet-and-sour flavor profile and glossy, sticky finish.
Adapting this beloved classic onto skewers takes the concept even further, infusing the chicken with deep flavor thanks to marinades and providing that charred, smoky dimension only grilling can achieve. Plus, it transforms a comfort food favorite into a more versatile, grill-ready masterpiece.
Why Skewers Make Everything Better
There’s something about food served on a stick that elevates a meal — it feels casual yet festive, approachable yet thoughtfully presented. Skewering the marinated chicken creates more surface area for that bourbon glaze to cling to, maximizing flavor in every bite. It also allows for quicker, more even grilling, helping the chicken cook fast while staying juicy.
For home cooks and hosts alike, skewers offer the added bonus of being easy to serve and portion. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings, meal prepping, or casual dinners where everyone can grab a few skewers and dig in without needing a formal plate setting.
Flavor Profile of Bourbon Chicken Skewers
Bourbon Chicken Skewers shine because of their dynamic flavor profile. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, a touch of acidity, and a subtle smokiness from the grill. The bourbon in the sauce enhances the caramelization during grilling, adding depth and complexity without overpowering the chicken. Brown sugar gives it that sticky, glossy finish, while soy sauce introduces umami savoriness.
Hints of garlic, ginger, and a dash of vinegar brighten the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become overly heavy. Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that keeps the palate excited. Together, these elements create a dish that’s bold, comforting, and wonderfully layered.
Perfect Pairings for Bourbon Chicken Skewers
While these skewers are delicious on their own, pairing them thoughtfully can elevate your meal even further. Here are some perfect side options:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice or Fried Rice: The fluffy texture and mild flavor of rice perfectly complement the rich, sticky sauce.
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Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled alongside the chicken soak up some of the glaze and balance the sweetness.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
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Garlic Noodles: Buttery, garlicky noodles add another level of indulgence to this dish.
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Pickled Vegetables: Quick pickles made from cucumbers, carrots, or radishes provide a crisp, acidic contrast.
Pairing these sides creates a harmonious, restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken Skewers
To ensure the juiciest, most flavorful Bourbon Chicken Skewers, keep these expert tips in mind:
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Marinate Properly: Let the chicken marinate for at least two hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the meat to fully absorb the flavors.
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Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use breast meat, thighs remain juicier during grilling and hold up better to high heat.
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Preheat the Grill: A properly preheated grill prevents sticking and ensures those beautiful sear marks.
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Baste While Grilling: Brushing the skewers with extra sauce during grilling builds up a sticky, delicious coating.
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Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
Healthier Twists and Variations
If you’re looking to make your Bourbon Chicken Skewers a bit healthier or simply want to switch things up, consider these variations:
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Reduces the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
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Honey Instead of Brown Sugar: For a slightly lighter, floral sweetness.
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Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute apple juice or non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring if you prefer not to use alcohol.
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Vegetable Skewers: Add pineapple chunks, mushrooms, or bell peppers onto the skewers for extra nutrition and color.
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Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Each variation offers a new dimension to the classic without losing its essential character.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Presentation matters, especially when you’re serving guests or sharing photos online! Here are a few ideas to make your Bourbon Chicken Skewers stand out:
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Garnish with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of color.
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Serve on a Wooden Platter: Rustic wooden boards highlight the casual, grilled nature of the dish.
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Drizzle Extra Sauce: Reserve some sauce to drizzle right before serving for that mouthwatering, glossy finish.
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Accompany with Dipping Sauces: Offer small bowls of extra bourbon glaze, spicy mayo, or soy-ginger dipping sauce on the side.
These simple touches turn a great dish into a stunning, memorable meal.
The Appeal of Homemade Bourbon Chicken
Making Bourbon Chicken Skewers at home has undeniable advantages. You control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and avoid the often heavy, overly sweet versions found at many fast-food-style outlets. Homemade versions also tend to use fresher, higher-quality ingredients, enhancing both the taste and nutritional value.
Additionally, preparing this dish yourself means you can tailor it to dietary needs, whether that means gluten-free soy sauce, reduced sugar, or organic meat. The pride and satisfaction that come with creating such an iconic dish from scratch are hard to beat.
Conclusion
Bourbon Chicken Skewers capture everything we love about comfort food — bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of nostalgia — while offering the versatility and fun of outdoor grilling. Perfect for casual family dinners, special gatherings, or meal prepping for the week, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
The rich, glossy bourbon glaze elevates simple grilled chicken into something truly extraordinary, while the skewer presentation makes it effortless and fun to serve. Whether you’re recreating the flavors of your favorite mall food court or simply looking for a new grilled favorite, Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a delicious adventure worth taking.