Grilled Bourbon Chicken
A flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a rich bourbon, soy sauce, and apple sauce mix, perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup low sodium or gluten-free soy sauce Adds savory flavor while keeping the dish healthier.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce Provides natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger Adds a spicy, aromatic note.
- 2 cloves garlic cloves Enhances overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil Helps in marinating and cooking.
- 1/4 cup bourbon Enriches the marinade with a complex flavor.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce Contributes rich, tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Adds acidity to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Enhances sweetness and caramelization.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Introduces a hint of heat.
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts The star of the dish providing lean protein.
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions A fresh garnish that adds color.
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth Adds moisture for the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag and pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, apple sauce, onion, ginger, garlic, canola oil, bourbon, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the chicken: Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade and pour the rest into the bag with the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature, about 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 232°C).
Cooking
- Grill the chicken: Discard the marinade in the bag and grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the reserved marinade with chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low until slightly thickened.
- Serve the dish: Slice the chicken, top it with the sauce, and garnish with sliced scallions.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Ensure your grill is well preheated for proper cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F (74°C).