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Flavorful Grilled Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe with Easy Corn Salad

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These bourbon BBQ chicken skewers offer a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors paired with a fresh, crisp corn salad. Quick and easy to prepare, they are ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • For the Corn Salad:
  • Kernels from 3 ears fresh corn or 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks and place in a large bowl. Add olive oil and half of the bourbon BBQ sauce. Toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Prepare the Corn Salad: Boil or grill fresh corn ears until tender, then cut kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, thaw and pat dry. Combine corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, season with salt and pepper, toss gently, and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Grill the Skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, turning once. Baste occasionally with remaining bourbon BBQ sauce. Cook until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid high flames to prevent burning.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let skewers rest for 5 minutes off heat. Serve hot with the chilled corn salad.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for best flavor. Control grill heat to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce. Baste mostly in the last half of cooking. Rest skewers 5 minutes before serving. Sauce keeps refrigerated up to one week. For gluten-free, substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Broiling is an alternative cooking method if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon BBQ chicken, grilled chicken skewers, corn salad, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, bourbon sauce, grilled chicken, backyard party food

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-grilled-bourbon-bbq-chicken-skewers-recipe-with-easy-corn-salad/