Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals

The First Bite That Hooked Me

The smell of bourbon and brown sugar hit me first. Then came the sizzle of chicken skewers in my friend’s air fryer. One bite—crispy outside, juicy inside—and I was sold. Ever wondered how you could turn Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers into something unforgettable? It’s all in the glaze. That sticky-sweet mix with a smoky kick makes every bite pop. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

My Messy First Try

I burned the glaze. Badly. My kitchen smelled like charred sugar for days. But the chicken? Still delicious. That’s the magic of home cooking—even mistakes taste good. Now I set a timer for the glaze. Perfection takes practice. Share your first kitchen fail in the comments!

Why These Skewers Shine

– The bourbon adds depth, not booze—just rich, caramel notes. – Rice vinegar balances the sweetness, so it’s not too heavy. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the ketchup-honey twist or the soy-paprika punch? Try it and tell me!

A Dish With Roots

This recipe mixes Southern bourbon traditions with Asian-inspired marinades. *Did you know skewers date back to ancient Greek street food?* Cultures worldwide love food on sticks. It’s simple, shareable, and always fun. What’s your favorite skewer memory? Grill, air fry, or campfire?
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Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals
Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals

Ingredients:

IngredientAmountNotes
Wooden skewersAs neededSoaked in water for 30 minutes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts1 ½ poundsCut into 1 ½-inch chunks
Bourbon½ cup (4 ounces)
Soy sauce¼ cup (64 g)
Light brown sugar¼ cup (50 g)Packed
Honey2 tablespoons
Ketchup2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar2 teaspoons
Garlic2 teaspoonsMinced
Paprika1 teaspoon
Black pepper½ teaspoon
ParsleyAs neededFor garnish

How to Make Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers

Step 1 Mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, paprika, and pepper in a saucepan. Heat until slightly thick, 3-4 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes. (Hard-learned tip: Don’t skip cooling—hot marinade cooks chicken unevenly.) Step 2 Toss chicken with marinade in a bowl or bag. Save ½ cup marinade for later. Chill 1-4 hours for best flavor. Longer soak means richer taste. Step 3 Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto soaked skewers. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Check temp hits 165°F. Step 4 Boil reserved marinade until thick, 3-5 minutes. Brush glaze on cooked skewers. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot. What’s the safest way to check chicken doneness? Share below! Cook Time: 11 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes Yield: 8 skewers Category: Dinner, Grilling

Try These Tasty Twists

Spicy Kick Add 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Heat lovers will beg for more. Pineapple Sweet Thread fresh pineapple chunks between chicken. Grills up sticky-sweet with a tropical vibe. Herb Garden Swap parsley for rosemary or thyme. Earthy flavors pair well with bourbon. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!

Serving Ideas & Sips

Pair skewers with fluffy rice or grilled veggies. Add a crisp salad for crunch.
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Drink match: Iced tea (non-alcoholic) or a bourbon lemonade (boozy). Both balance the glaze’s sweetness. Which would you choose tonight? Tell me below!
Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals
Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals

Storing and Reheating Your Skewers

Let’s talk leftovers. These skewers keep well in the fridge for 3 days. Just pop them in an airtight container. Want to freeze them? Wrap each skewer in foil first. They’ll last up to 3 months. *Fun fact: I once forgot a batch in my freezer for months—still tasted great!* Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Batch-cooking tip: Double the marinade and freeze half for next time. Why this matters: Meal prep saves busy nights. Ever tried freezing skewers before? Share your tricks!

Fixes for Common Skewer Struggles

Your Skewer Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Easy fix. Q: How far ahead can I prep? A: Marinate chicken up to 4 hours. Don’t go longer—it gets mushy. Q: No bourbon on hand—what works? A: Use apple juice plus 1 tsp vanilla. Sweetness stays, booze goes. Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Just cook in batches to avoid crowding the air fryer. Q: Grill instead of air fry? A: Sure! Grill on medium-high for 10 minutes, flipping often. Why this matters: Swaps make recipes fit your life. Which swap will you try first?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins. Did these skewers hit the spot? Snap a pic! Tag Savory Discovery on Pinterest so I can cheer you on. Cooking’s better when we share the joy. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals
Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals

Bourbon Glazed Chicken Skewers for Easy Meals

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 11 minutesRest time: Total time: 1 minuteServings:8 servingsCalories: kcal Best Season:Summer

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, paprika, and black pepper. Stir often and heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the cooled marinade over the chicken, reserving ½ cup for later. Toss to coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
  3. When ready, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  4. Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each.
  5. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. (Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may have to work in batches.)
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. While the chicken cooks, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan. Let it simmer until it thickens into a glaze, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Brush the glaze over the cooked chicken skewers and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

    For best results, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Keywords:Chicken, Skewers, Bourbon, Glaze, Easy Meals