Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers

The first time I made sticky bourbon chicken skewers, it was for a backyard gathering with friends. I wanted something easy to prepare but packed with bold flavors. These skewers turned out to be the star of the night—juicy, smoky, and coated in a sweet, caramelized bourbon glaze. What I love about this recipe is how simple it is, making it perfect for beginner cooks who want to impress without the stress.

With a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Whether you grill them outdoors or cook them on a stovetop, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they can be made ahead of time for meal prep, making weeknight dinners even easier.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Sticky bourbon chicken skewers stand out because of their rich, flavorful marinade. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and bourbon creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes. The best part? You don’t need any complicated techniques to achieve that irresistible glaze—just marinate, cook, and enjoy.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can swap chicken for tofu, pork, or beef, and adjust the sweetness and stickiness of the sauce to your liking. Whether you’re making a casual dinner or preparing for a party, these skewers fit the occasion.

Ingredients and Their Roles

• Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breast) – Provides a juicy and tender base for the marinade.
• Olive oil – Helps prevent sticking and adds a mild richness.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and caramelization for that sticky glaze.
• Soy sauce – Brings umami depth and balances the sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the savory, slightly tangy notes.
• Garlic – Adds aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Bourbon – Gives a smoky, slightly caramel-like undertone to the sauce.
• Wooden skewers – For easy handling and serving.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• No bourbon? Try apple juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy depth.
• Want a thicker sauce? Increase honey or add a cornstarch slurry.
• Prefer a non-stick version? Serve the chicken without skewers and toss it in the sauce before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Cut the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and bourbon. This will be your flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally a few hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: If cooking on a stovetop, heat a large pan over medium heat. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 5: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 6: Cook the skewers in the pan or on the grill, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized glaze. Baste with extra marinade while cooking for added flavor.

Step 7: If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, remove the skewers and simmer the remaining marinade in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens. Serve as a dipping sauce.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to tell if the chicken is done: Cut into the thickest piece—if the juices run clear and the inside is no longer pink, it’s ready.
• Preventing dry chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more moisture, and avoid overcooking.
• Making ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor. You can also freeze marinated chicken for up to three months.
• Adjusting the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water) and simmer for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these skewers with steamed jasmine rice and grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a light cucumber salad to contrast the richness of the sauce.
• Drizzle extra sauce over mashed potatoes or garlic bread for added indulgence.
• Leftovers? Remove the chicken from the skewers and toss them in a salad or wrap them in a tortilla for a quick lunch.

Try It and Share Your Thoughts

Cooking at home should be fun, stress-free, and full of flavor. These sticky bourbon chicken skewers check all the boxes, making them perfect for beginners who want an easy yet impressive dish. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you make any tweaks? What did you serve it with? I’d love to hear from you.

Happy cooking!

FAQ About Sticky Bourbon Chicken Skewers

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