Does the alcohol cook out of bourbon chicken?

No, not entirely. There is still some alcohol left in the sauce. It's not much, but if you're sensitive to alcohol or don't consume alcohol, you probably want to make another recipe. Several studies have shown that alcohol does not entirely evaporate or cook off during cooking. Here's a good explanation from America's Test Kitchen .

Can kids eat bourbon chicken?

That's up to you. Will someone get intoxicated from a serving size of this recipe? No. The final sauce probably contains less than a tablespoon of alcohol per serving. I wouldn't worry about it, but that's just me.

What does bourbon chicken taste like?

This grilled bourbon chicken is sweet, tangy, herby, a little smoky, and just a bit spicy. It's an excellent balance of flavors.

Grilled Bourbon Chicken

Description

Enjoy a summer barbecue with this Grilled Bourbon Chicken recipe. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are coated in a zesty, sweet, and boozy barbecue sauce, great for a backyard cookout or a simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Sriracha
2 oranges, 1 zested and juiced, the other sliced into rounds
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup bourbon
4 bone-in chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks

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Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are softened. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, the paprika, garlic, tomato paste, and rosemary to the pan and cook for another couple of minutes while stirring.
Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha, orange juice, zest, broth, and bourbon. Bring to a boil and reduce to low heat to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash or two more broth to thin it out. Partially cover the pan if it starts to splatter while simmering.
While the sauce simmers, heat the grill to a medium flame. Brush the chicken thighs in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Partially grill the thighs, about 4 minutes per side.
Brush the thighs with some bourbon BBQ sauce and grill for another 2 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with a thermometer.
Serve the chicken with additional sauce, orange slices, and sides.

Notes

If bourbon's not your thing, you can replace it with additional chicken broth.

Chicken wings would also work in this recipe, but you'll want to reduce the cooking time.

If you want a smooth sauce, you can blend it in the pan with an immersion blender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American