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Honey Bourbon Garlic Marinated Chicken Strips with Bourbon Glaze

Published by

tmpree2001

on

Honey Bourbon Garlic Marinated Chicken Strips with Bourbon Glaze

Description

This Honey Bourbon Garlic Marinated Chicken Strips with Bourbon Glaze recipe is a delicious blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. By slicing the chicken into strips, each piece absorbs more of the bourbon-honey-garlic marinade, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites. After cooking, the reserved marinade is reduced into a sticky, glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. These strips are perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or as a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch wide strips)
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken Strips:
    • Place the chicken strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken strips, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve the remaining marinade to create the glaze.
    • Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for optimal flavor. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
  3. Cook the Chicken Strips:
    • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Grill the strips for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    • Pan-Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken strips in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through.
  4. Make the Bourbon Glaze:
    • While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat to ensure it’s safe for consumption, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
    • Let the marinade simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens into a glossy glaze. The honey and bourbon will caramelize, creating a rich, sticky sauce. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or pepper.
  5. Glaze and Serve:
    • Once the chicken strips are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle the bourbon glaze over the top, coating each strip. For a final touch, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
    • Serve hot, either as a main dish or as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Bourbon Garlic Marinated Chicken Strips pair wonderfully with various sides, making them versatile for any meal:

  1. Rice or Quinoa Bowls: Serve the chicken strips over a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with fresh veggies and extra glaze.
  2. Salad Toppers: These flavorful strips work well as a protein-rich salad topper, especially with greens, avocado, and a drizzle of glaze as a dressing.
  3. Wraps or Tacos: Add the chicken strips to warm tortillas with slaw or lettuce for easy, delicious wraps or tacos.
  4. Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

  • Slice the Chicken Evenly: Cutting the chicken into uniform strips ensures even cooking. Aim for 1-inch wide strips for the best results.
  • Marinate with a Time Limit: Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for optimal flavor. The acidity in the marinade can make the chicken too soft if left for too long.
  • Simmer the Glaze Slowly: Allow the reserved marinade to reduce slowly for a rich, thick glaze. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, especially due to the sugar content from honey.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat Gently: To reheat, warm the strips in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven until heated through, adding a little water if needed to keep the glaze from becoming too thick.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Bourbon Garlic Marinated Chicken Strips with Bourbon Glaze offer a unique twist on traditional chicken recipes. The bourbon and honey create a sweet and smoky glaze, while the garlic adds a savory kick. Cutting the chicken into strips allows for faster marinating and cooking, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites with a beautiful caramelized glaze. This dish is perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Keywords: honey bourbon chicken strips, garlic chicken recipe, bourbon glaze, marinated chicken strips, savory glaze, grilled chicken, bourbon marinade, chicken appetizer, easy chicken dinner, sweet and savory chicken

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