Introduction
These Kentucky Bourbon Maple-Glazed Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The bourbon adds a deep caramelized flavor, while the maple syrup brings a delicious touch of sweetness. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, these skewers get a gorgeous sear on the center grate before being finished on the flat cooktop for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken imaginable.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
- Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the bourbon maple glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside for basting the chicken skewers.
Step 3: Prepare and sear the chicken
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
- Once the Arteflame center grill grate reaches 1,000F, sear the skewers for about 2 minutes per side.
- Move the skewers to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 150F.
Step 4: Baste with bourbon maple glaze
- Brush the skewers with the bourbon maple glaze as they cook on the flat top.
- Continue to turn and glaze the skewers until they reach 165F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
Tips
- Remove the chicken from the grill at 150F as it will continue cooking while resting.
- Use butter instead of oil for extra richness when grilling.
- Avoid crowding the skewers on the grill to allow even cooking.
- Adjust the cooking heat by moving the skewers to the cooler edges of the griddle as needed.
Variations
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Spicy Honey Bourbon: Swap the maple syrup for honey and add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
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Garlic Herb Bourbon: Mix in fresh rosemary and thyme for an herbaceous twist.
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Asian-Inspired Teriyaki: Replace the Dijon mustard with hoisin sauce and add fresh ginger.
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Smoky BBQ Bourbon: Substitute maple syrup with molasses and add a touch of smoked sea salt.
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Orange Bourbon: Add fresh orange zest and juice for a citrusy contrast with the smoky bourbon flavor.
Best Pairings
- Grilled sweet potatoes with butter and cinnamon
- Charred Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Buttery grilled corn on the cob
- Smoky bourbon cocktail
- Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream
Conclusion
These Kentucky Bourbon Maple-Glazed Chicken Skewers bring together the best of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfectly seared on the Arteflame grill for a tender and juicy bite, they're an exceptional dish for any BBQ or cookout.