Description
Bourbon Chicken Skewers are juicy, flame-kissed bites of marinated chicken, glazed in a sticky, sweet, and smoky sauce that clings to each skewer with a glossy finish. Perfect for summer cookouts, cozy indoor dinners, or any time you’re craving bold flavor with minimal fuss. I love making it with boneless chicken thighs, real bourbon, and a garlicky brown sugar marinade that transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. It’s an easy grilling recipe with incredible depth, a gorgeous glaze, and just the right amount of char. Some call them grilled bourbon bites or sticky bourbon chicken kabobs—especially when served with a simmered dipping sauce on the side. I’ve tested both overnight marination and quick versions, and both turn out beautifully juicy and flavorful. Among grilled chicken recipes, these skewers stand out for their crowd-pleasing sweetness, unmistakable bourbon aroma, and ease of preparation. They absolutely deserve a permanent place in your seasonal or all-year grilling lineup.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup bourbon
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional)
Skewers (wooden or metal)
Extra marinade (reserved and simmered for dipping sauce)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
7. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
8. Brush cooked skewers with the glaze and sprinkle with green onions and cilantro.
9. Serve with lime wedges and extra glaze on the side.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight—this step truly enhances the bourbon and garlic notes.
Always simmer the reserved marinade before using it as a sauce to ensure it’s safe and flavorful.
For extra char and a smoky touch, finish the skewers on high heat for the last minute of grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2+ hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 skewers
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: bourbon chicken skewers, grilled chicken, summer recipes, sticky chicken, bourbon marinade