Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables
Tender chicken skewers glazed with a smoky bourbon sauce paired with charred summer vegetables, perfect for a summer cookout. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cut chicken thighs to the glaze and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and prepare soaked wood chips if using for a smoky flavor.
- 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.
- Step 5: Brush skewers with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- 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.
- Step 7: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving for a smoky summer cookout delight.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoked Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Summer Vegetables?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
