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This bourbon chicken skewers recipe transforms your air fryer into a party trick for irresistible appetizers or main dishes. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in savory spices get perfectly caramelized and glazed with a sweet-savory bourbon sauce that will have everyone asking for your secret.
I developed this recipe last summer when hosting a backyard gathering where I needed something impressive without being chained to the grill. These skewers disappeared faster than anything else on the table, and now they're requested at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Provide the perfect tender texture and don't dry out like breast meat
- Onion powder: Offers convenience and even flavor distribution throughout the marinade
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth to both the marinade and sauce
- Bourbon: Brings caramel notes and complexity to the sauce without tasting boozy
- Hoisin sauce: Creates the perfect thick base for the glaze with sweet and tangy notes
- Apple juice: Adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Create aromatic foundation for an authentic Asian-inspired flavor
- Brown sugar: Helps create that beautiful caramelization on the chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken pieces with onion powder, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and bouillon in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. The marinade might seem minimal, but these concentrated flavors penetrate the meat beautifully. Allow at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, though overnight marinating yields even more flavorful results.
- Prepare the Bourbon Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook just until the aromatics become fragrant, about one minute. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma at this point. Whisk in hoisin sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, bourbon, and brown sugar until completely combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still remain pourable.
- Skewer and Air Fry:
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto wooden skewers, about 6 pieces per skewer, leaving small spaces between pieces to ensure even cooking. Arrange skewers in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Spray lightly with cooking spray to promote browning. Cook for 8 minutes at 375°F to establish initial cooking.
- Glaze and Finish:
- Reserve approximately one-third of your bourbon sauce for serving. Use the remaining portion to generously brush each skewer, coating all sides of the chicken. The sugar in the sauce will help create beautiful caramelization. Return to the air fryer for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and has developed a gorgeous glaze. Brush with reserved sauce immediately after removing from the air fryer for an extra layer of flavor.
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The bourbon in this recipe is my secret weapon. While many bourbon chicken recipes actually contain no bourbon at all, the real thing adds incredible depth without tasting boozy after cooking. Even my bourbon-hating mother-in-law loves these skewers.
Storing and Reheating
These skewers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making them excellent for meal prep. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for just 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave for about 90 seconds, though you will lose some of the exterior crispness. I often make a double batch just to ensure leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Ingredient Substitutions
If bourbon isn’t your thing or you prefer to cook without alcohol, apple cider makes an excellent substitute while maintaining the flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is certified gluten free. Chicken breasts can replace thighs if preferred, but reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes to prevent drying. For a vegetarian version, extra firm tofu pressed and cut into cubes works surprisingly well with the same marinade and sauce.
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Serving Suggestions
These skewers pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice that catches all the extra sauce. For a complete meal, I often serve them with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. The cool crispness balances the rich savory skewers beautifully. For entertaining, remove the chicken from the skewers and serve in lettuce cups with extra sauce on the side for an interactive appetizer that always impresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the bourbon in this chicken skewer dish?
Yes, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or non-alcoholic vanilla extract mixed with water for a similar flavor profile. Each alternative will change the flavor slightly but will still produce delicious results.
- → How can I prevent wooden skewers from burning in the air fryer?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning during cooking. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers if you have them available.
- → What sides pair well with bourbon chicken skewers?
These skewers pair excellently with steamed rice, vegetable fried rice, or cauliflower rice. Asian-inspired slaws, steamed vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad also complement the sweet-savory flavor profile wonderfully.
- → Can I make the bourbon sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the bourbon sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before using. This can be a time-saver when preparing for gatherings.
- → How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest piece - it should be completely opaque with no pink remaining and juices should run clear.
- → Can this dish be made in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake the skewers in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, brushing with the bourbon sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.