This bourbon chicken on the griddle recipe brings sweet, savory restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen.
Tender pieces of chicken are cooked on a hot griddle until browned, then coated in a glossy sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and warm seasonings.
It’s perfect served over rice with vegetables for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breast or thighs
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Apple juice or a suitable cooking liquid
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Black pepper
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Bourbon Chicken on the Griddle
Cut the chicken into small, evenly sized pieces.
Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and the remaining sauce ingredients.
Preheat the griddle until hot.
Add a little cooking oil and spread the chicken across the cooking surface. Avoid overcrowding so the chicken can brown instead of steaming.
Cook until the chicken develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and toss everything together.
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken with a shiny glaze.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Get Better Browning
A hot cooking surface is essential. Pat the chicken dry before cooking and give the pieces enough space.
If you overcrowd the griddle, the chicken will release moisture and may not develop the delicious browned edges that make this dish so good.
What to Serve With Bourbon Chicken
Serve it with:
- White rice
- Jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Asian-style cucumber salad
Can I Make This Without Alcohol?
Yes. Many homemade bourbon chicken recipes use the name “bourbon chicken” for the flavor profile rather than requiring bourbon. You can make a flavorful sweet-and-savory glaze using soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This bourbon chicken on the griddle is an easy way to create a flavorful dinner with crispy edges and a sticky sweet-savory glaze. Pair it with rice and vegetables for a satisfying meal that tastes like takeout but is simple to prepare at home.
