Elevate your dinner with the captivating flavors of Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers. This delectable dish, crafted by Chef Crenn, combines the comfort of classic chicken with the refined elegance of a gourmet creation. Prepare to be delighted by the interplay of sweet maple, smooth bourbon, and tender, juicy chicken that will transport you to a world of culinary bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of comfort and sophistication with these Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers. The sweet and smoky glaze, infused with the rich depth of bourbon, will elevate your taste buds, while the tender, juicy chicken provides a satisfying and wholesome base. Visually stunning, these skewers are a true work of art that will impress your guests and bring joy to your dining experience.
Ingredients
Gather the finest ingredients to create this exquisite dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. The combination of these carefully selected elements will result in a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your senses.
- 1 lb (454g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken breasts — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Bourbon: Apple juice or chicken broth — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers
Follow these simple steps to create this irresistible dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together to create a decadent glaze. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting them generously with the maple bourbon glaze during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust and infuse the chicken with the irresistible flavors.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened, remove the skewers from the heat. Arrange the Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers on a serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Side Dish Pairing: For an even more decadent experience, try serving the Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. The combination of the rich, gourmet flavors and the comforting starch will create a truly harmonious and satisfying meal.
- Garnish: To add a touch of elegance, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Flavor Variation: For a touch of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture. This will provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the maple and the smooth bourbon.
- Baked Option: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers for 20-25 minutes, basting with the glaze every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, roasted vegetables.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken cubes and glaze mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the skewers just before grilling for maximum flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers provides a balanced and satisfying meal. With lean protein from the chicken, natural sweetness from the maple, and a touch of bourbon for depth, this dish offers a delightful way to indulge in comfort food without compromising on nutrition.
- Serving Size: 2-3 skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 23 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While the skewers are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken cubes and glaze mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the skewers just before grilling for maximum flavor and texture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers for 20-25 minutes, basting with the glaze every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make this recipe more appealing to little ones, you can reduce or omit the bourbon from the glaze. Additionally, you can serve the chicken skewers with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, or accompany them with a simple salad to create a well-rounded, family-friendly meal.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work beautifully in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. Be sure to monitor the chicken closely and baste it generously with the glaze to achieve the same level of tenderness and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a touch of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture. This will provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the maple and the smooth bourbon.
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Spicy Maple Bourbon Bbq Chicken Thighs
- Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Melt
Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Maple Glazed Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix bourbon, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
6. Brush with remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg