Name: Tender Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs (Cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/3 cup Soy sauce; 1/3 cup Bourbon; 1/2 cup Brown sugar; 1/4 cup Ketchup; 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger; 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (Optional); 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Mixed with water to make a slurry); 2 tbsp Water (For slurry); Skewers (Soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden); Green onions (For garnish); Sesame seeds (For garnish)

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Tender Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your backyard grill with just a handful of pantry ingredients. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress at summer cookouts.

There’s something magical that happens when bourbon meets brown sugar on the grill. Last weekend, I watched my neighbor’s kids line up for seconds of these skewers before they even tried the burgers. The sticky, caramelized coating and juicy chicken thigh meat create the perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes everyone ask for the recipe—just like they do with our Yummy Huli Huli Chicken. What started as a food court copycat has become my go-to crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Chicken Skewer Recipe

These tender bourbon-glazed chicken skewers have become my signature dish for good reason – they combine the convenience of simple ingredients with flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. I first discovered this technique at a local food court, but after years of tweaking, my homemade version surpasses any restaurant version.

Easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients you likely already have
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend entertaining, especially when served with our flavorful Greek Yogurt Chicken.
Consistently juicy results thanks to using chicken thighs instead of breasts
Bourbon glaze creates an irresistible sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully
Great for meal prep – marinate ahead and grill when ready
Kid-friendly flavors that please even picky eaters

This recipe is more than just dinner – it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and creates lasting memories around good food.

Ingredient Note List

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I always recommend using thighs because they stay incredibly juicy during grilling and won’t dry out like chicken breasts can.

Soy Sauce: This provides the savory umami base that balances the sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken during marinating.

Bourbon: The alcohol cooks off but leaves behind a rich, smoky flavor that makes these tender bourbon-glazed chicken skewers truly special.

Brown Sugar: Creates that beautiful caramelized coating when it hits the grill heat and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar: This bright acidity cuts through the richness and helps tenderize the meat while adding subtle tang.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complexity with its blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry staples provide aromatic base flavors that complement the bourbon perfectly.

Ground Ginger: A pinch of warmth that enhances the bourbon’s natural spice notes without overwhelming the dish.

Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating and helps it stick to the chicken.

Wooden Skewers: Make sure to soak these in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning – I learned this the hard way!

How to Cook Tender Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers

Step 1. I usually start by combining all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring everything together until the brown sugar completely dissolves.

Step 2. Once the mixture starts simmering, I mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry – this prevents any lumps from forming.

Step 3. My grandmother always said to add thickening agents slowly while stirring, and she was right – whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4. I’ve found that letting the sauce cool completely before marinating prevents the chicken from cooking prematurely and ensures even flavor distribution.

Step 5. Reserve half the cooled sauce for basting later, then pour the remaining half over the chicken pieces in a large bowl or ziplock bag for marinating.

Step 6. For best results, I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, but overnight makes the flavors incredible – the longer marination creates more tender, flavorful meat.

Step 7. While the grill preheats to medium heat (around 400°F), I thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.

Step 8. My husband prefers when I grill these for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes and brushing with the reserved sauce to build up that sticky coating.

Step 9. I always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover bourbon chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure the skewers cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

For longer storage, these skewers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend removing them from the wooden skewers first, then wrapping the chicken in freezer-safe bags with a bit of the extra sauce to prevent freezer burn.

For best results, I like to reheat these in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for convenience – just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Tender Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers

Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of coconut rice perfectly complements the bold bourbon flavors while adding a tropical touch to your meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer cookout like fresh corn, and the smoky char pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory glaze on these skewers.

Asian Cucumber Salad: The crisp, refreshing crunch and tangy dressing provide a perfect cooling contrast to the rich, sticky chicken coating.

Garlic Fried Rice: In my kitchen, I often serve this alongside fried rice because the garlic flavors enhance the savory elements of the bourbon glaze.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple echoes the brown sugar in the glaze while adding fresh, bright flavors.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with sesame vinaigrette adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the glazed chicken for a well-rounded meal.

FAQs

How many calories are in bourbon-glazed chicken skewers?

Each serving contains approximately 310 calories, making these tender bourbon-glazed chicken skewers a reasonably light option that’s still satisfying and flavorful.

Are bourbon chicken skewers healthy for you?

I recommend these as part of a balanced diet since chicken thighs provide good protein, but the brown sugar does add calories – pair with vegetables for a nutritious meal.

Can I make bourbon chicken skewers without alcohol?

Absolutely – substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a family-friendly version that still delivers great flavor depth.

Why are my chicken skewers dry?

To avoid this, try marinating longer and don’t skip the basting step during grilling – the reserved sauce keeps the chicken moist and builds that signature sticky coating.

How long should I marinate bourbon chicken skewers?

Many home cooks find that 2 hours minimum works well, but I always recommend overnight marinating for the most tender, flavorful results.