Kentucky Bourbon Maple-Glazed Chicken Skewers

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

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the bourbon maple glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Set aside for basting the chicken skewers.

Step 3: Prepare and sear the chicken

1. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
2. Once the Arteflame center grill grate reaches 1,000F, sear the skewers for about 2 minutes per side.
3. 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

1. Brush the skewers with the bourbon maple glaze as they cook on the flat top.
2. Continue to turn and glaze the skewers until they reach 165F.
3. 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

1. Spicy Honey Bourbon: Swap the maple syrup for honey and add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
2. Garlic Herb Bourbon: Mix in fresh rosemary and thyme for an herbaceous twist.
3. Asian-Inspired Teriyaki: Replace the Dijon mustard with hoisin sauce and add fresh ginger.
4. Smoky BBQ Bourbon: Substitute maple syrup with molasses and add a touch of smoked sea salt.
5. 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.