Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken is the perfect combination of bold, spicy, and smoky flavors that will elevate any grilling session. This recipe takes the classic buffalo chicken to a new level by incorporating the rich, deep flavors of bourbon whiskey, offering a unique twist on a familiar favorite. The sweetness of the bourbon marries perfectly with the tangy heat of the buffalo sauce, creating a balanced marinade that tenderizes the chicken and imparts a smoky finish when grilled. Ideal for summer barbecues, game day, or any casual meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Fusion of Bourbon and Buffalo Sauce
Bourbon and buffalo sauce are two bold flavors that are often seen in American cuisine, but combining them creates a delightful harmony. The bourbon adds a slightly sweet, caramelized depth, while the buffalo sauce brings the signature heat and tanginess that we love. This grilling recipe takes advantage of both flavors by marinating the chicken in a bourbon-infused buffalo sauce, then grilling it to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish with a smoky finish. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or craving something different for dinner, Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients for Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken
For the Marinade
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
1/4 cup hot sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot for the authentic buffalo flavor)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish (Optional)
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon whiskey, hot sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined, and the sugar is dissolved. This marinade should have a good balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down to a medium heat. If using a gas grill, set the burners to medium-high and allow the grill to reach the desired temperature.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and discard any leftover marinade. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with a little extra buffalo sauce if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also pair it with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to complement the smoky, spicy flavors.
Tips for the Best Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken
Tip 1: Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat
For a more flavorful and juicy chicken, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat content, making them less prone to drying out on the grill, resulting in a juicier final dish.
Tip 2: Let the Chicken Marinate Overnight
While a minimum of 2 hours of marinating time will work, for the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. The bourbon and hot sauce will fully penetrate the meat, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Tip 3: Create a Double-Glazed Effect
For an extra layer of flavor, you can baste the chicken with the leftover marinade during grilling. Just make sure to set aside a portion before adding the raw chicken to ensure it’s safe to use as a glaze. This will create a sticky, flavorful coating on the chicken.
Tip 4: Adjust the Heat Level
If you prefer a milder version of this dish, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add a bit of honey to balance the heat. If you like it extra spicy, increase the hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the grilled chicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken
This Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, balancing the heat and sweetness of the dish with refreshing and cooling elements. Here are some ideas for serving:
Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw helps cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce while adding a nice crunch to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Grill some corn on the cob, bell peppers, or zucchini to add a smoky flavor that complements the bourbon marinade.
Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries are a perfect side to soak up any extra sauce and enhance the dish’s casual, comfort food vibe.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to round out the meal, perfect for sopping up the spicy, smoky sauce.
Beer or Lemonade: Pair with a cold, refreshing beverage like a crisp lager or a homemade lemonade to balance out the bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken
This Grilled Bourbon Buffalo Chicken recipe offers the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, making it a hit for any occasion. The combination of bourbon and buffalo sauce creates a rich and flavorful marinade that makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. Grilled to perfection, each bite is packed with savory goodness and a slight smokiness that enhances the flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of buffalo wings or simply looking for a new grilling recipe to try, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Healthier Alternatives and Variations
While this recipe is already packed with bold flavors, you can make it a bit healthier by opting for skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, reducing the amount of butter, or using a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar. For a gluten-free option, ensure that the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
If you’re looking to make a lighter version, grilled chicken skewers with the same marinade can be a great choice, offering smaller portions that are easier to manage while still delivering all the flavor you love.
