Bourbon Barrel Aged Chicken Tacos

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Take taco night to the next level with Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chicken Tacos! This unique recipe combines the smoky sweetness of bourbon, the bold flavors of seasoned chicken thighs, and the satisfying char of a griddle-cooked taco. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or spicing up a weeknight dinner, these tacos bring a gourmet twist that's guaranteed to impress. Ready to fire up your griddle and wow your taste buds? Let’s dive in!

Items Used in this receipe:

Bourbon Barrel Aged Chicken Tacos on the Blackstone Griddle - This Recipe is INSANE!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm4fZ1pNezkTheres not many meal I like more than a great set of Tacos. I love trying new things when cooking tacos and I hit gold on this one. Make sure you try out these wonderful Bourbon Barrel Aged Chicken Tacos.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Chicken Tacos

Bourbon Barrel Aged Chicken Tacos

Yield: 6
Author:
Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 45 Min
Tacos are a huge hit in the Backyard so I'm always trying new ingredients and flavor combinations. Although its hard to mess up a taco recipe it is possible to hit a home run when everything comes together perfectly. Everything comes together perfectly with this Bourbon Barrel Aged Chicken Taco recipe. If you enjoy tacos even a little bit, make sure you try this one out.

Ingredients

  • 1 Bunch of Cilantro
  • 1 Bell Pepper
  • 1 Sweet Onion
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
  • 1 Bottle Taste of Inspirations Sweet Barrel Aged Bourbon Sauce
  • 1.5 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey Stout Edition
  • 1 tbsp Rib Rack Chicken Spice Rub
  • 1 tbsp Bar Night Out White Lightning Rub
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 bag Mexican Style Cheese

Instructions

  1. Dice Cilantro, Bell Pepper, and Sweet Onion. Place them in the refrigerator.
  2. Cut extra white fat off the chicken thighs. Dice the chicken into 3/4” pieces
  3. Place chicken in a container to marinate with the bottle of Sweet Barrel Aged Bourbon, Rib Rack Chicken Spice Rub (1 tbsp), as well as 1.5 oz of Jameson Irish Whiskey Stout Edition. Marinate for 3-4 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Heat up your griddle on medium-high heat
  5. Place 1 tbsp of butter on the griddle. Strain the chicken of extra sauce and place on the griddle.
  6. Cook chicken to 175 F so it has a little color on it.
  7. Remove chicken and place in a container or move to the side with a burner off
  8. Clean griddle
  9. Place 1 tbsp of butter on the griddle and place 2 tortillas down on the buttered area
  10. On low heat, cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly crisp and flip
  11. Place cheese on the tortilla. Add the bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and white lightning
  12. Finally, top the tortilla with your cooked chicken
  13. Once the taco is slightly crispy on the bottom side, fold the taco and cook for another 30 seconds
  14. Remove from heat and eat

Notes

  1. Keep your chicken pieces as small as possible for more flavor
  2. Make sure the griddle is up to temp before placing the chicken on. Small pieces cook fast so you only have a short amount of time to get some color on the chicken. Use medium-high - high heat.
  3. Make sure you cook the tortillas just long enough for a crispy crunch. Once you fold the tortillas make sure to leave it on for another 30 seconds to a minute. Use low heat on this step.


Additional Tips for Perfect Tacos:

  1. Marinate Longer: For an even deeper bourbon flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 24 hours.

  2. Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium-high heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning.

  3. Rest the Meat: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain the juices.

  4. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh tortillas and top with crisp, fresh veggies for the best taste and texture.

  5. Pairing: Serve with a side of bourbon-infused salsa or guacamole to complement the flavors.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

  • Gourmet Twist: The bourbon barrel-aged marinade adds a smoky, sweet depth that elevates the classic chicken taco.

  • Griddle Perfection: Cooking on a griddle ensures even heat and a perfectly charred finish.

  • Customizable: Tailor the toppings to your taste—from classic cheese and lettuce to gourmet additions like avocado or cotija cheese.

Perfect Chicken Taco Tips for Griddle Cooking

  • Preheat Properly: A well-heated griddle ensures a perfect sear and locks in the chicken’s juices.

  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming.

  • Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

What to Serve with Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chicken Tacos

  • Drinks: A bourbon-based Old Fashioned, a crisp Mexican lager, or a refreshing lime margarita.

  • Sides: Bourbon-infused salsa, grilled street corn, or spicy black beans.

  • Dessert: Finish with churros or bourbon-glazed brownies for a sweet touch.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Taco Night

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chicken Tacos aren’t just a meal—they’re an experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening in the backyard, these tacos bring bold flavors and gourmet flair to the table. With their smoky bourbon glaze, juicy chicken, and fresh toppings, they’re sure to impress. So fire up your griddle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to redefine taco night. Cheers to unforgettable flavors!

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our other posts on this website. Don’t forget to visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more backyard BBQ and cooking adventures.

FAQs About Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chicken Tacos

Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: Absolutely! Substitute chicken thighs with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Q: What if I don’t have a griddle?
A: A cast-iron skillet works just as well to achieve a nice sear.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use corn tortillas and ensure your marinade and seasonings are gluten-free.

Q: How long does the marinade last?
A: You can store the bourbon marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.