Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-21 · Updated 2026-06-21

Tender chicken skewers glazed with a smoky bourbon sauce paired with charred summer vegetables, perfect for a summer cookout. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces red bell pepper
• 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds zucchini
• 1 medium, cut into wedges red onion
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup, soaked wood chips for smoking (optional)

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until sugar dissolves to create the bourbon glaze.
2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cut chicken thighs to the glaze and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and prepare soaked wood chips if using for a smoky flavor.
4. Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces, 1 large cut red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced zucchini, and 1 medium cut red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
5. Step 5: Brush skewers with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
6. Step 6: Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes and basting with reserved bourbon glaze, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are charred at the edges.
7. Step 7: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving for a smoky summer cookout delight.