Bourbon Glazed Grilled Chicken with Butternut Puree and Charred Broccolini
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30 INGREDIENTS • 12 STEPS • 30MINS

Bourbon Glazed Grilled Chicken with Butternut Puree and Charred Broccolini

Smoky. Sweet. Bold. Balanced. This dish hits every note on the flavor scale—smoky BBQ-spiced chicken kissed with a sticky bourbon glaze, paired against the velvety comfort of maple-kissed butternut squash puree and a hit of vegetal bitterness from charred broccolini. The result is a showstopper that feels both rustic and elevated, perfect for a dinner party or a weeknight indulgence.
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Smoky. Sweet. Bold. Balanced. This dish hits every note on the flavor scale—smoky BBQ-spiced chicken kissed with a sticky bourbon glaze, paired against the velvety comfort of maple-kissed butternut squash puree and a hit of vegetal bitterness from charred broccolini. The result is a showstopper that feels both rustic and elevated, perfect for a dinner party or a weeknight indulgence.

Ingredient Highlights

  • BBQ Rub: This rub pulls from Southern BBQ tradition—smoked paprika and brown sugar for that essential sweet heat, rounded out by garlic, onion, and cayenne. Don’t skimp; it’s the base layer that brings the chicken to life.
  • Bourbon Glaze: The glaze is a sultry reduction of bourbon, brown sugar, and balsamic, brightened by a dash of Dijon and lemon juice. Flambéing the bourbon adds depth (and flair), but it also helps burn off the raw alcohol, leaving behind a rich, oaky warmth.
  • Butternut Puree: Think of this as fall’s answer to mashed potatoes—silky, sweet from maple, buttery and just salty enough to keep things grounded. It balances the glaze beautifully.
  • Charred Broccolini: Bitter and earthy, this side dish brings welcome contrast. Tossing it in a lemon-garlic oil before grilling enhances its natural flavors while keeping things light and crisp.

Chef’s Tips

  • Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken: The skin crisps up beautifully and protects the meat, keeping it juicy throughout grilling. Make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  • Flambéing Safety: If you’re flambéing with an open flame, tilt the pan away from yourself. Alternatively, just simmer the bourbon a bit longer to cook off the alcohol if flambéing isn’t your style.
  • Make Ahead: The rub, glaze, and puree can all be prepped ahead of time. Reheat the glaze and puree gently before serving.
  • Indoor Grilling: A cast iron grill pan works great for controlled heat and perfect grill marks. If you’re using an outdoor grill, go for a two-zone fire to avoid overcooking.

FAQs



Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time and note that you may lose some juiciness and that rich grilled flavor the skin provides.

Is there a non-alcoholic sub for bourbon?

Try apple cider with a splash of vanilla and a touch of molasses. It won’t replicate the same depth, but it’ll still play well with the glaze ingredients.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the puree?

A high-powered blender or even a potato masher will work in a pinch—just aim for as smooth a texture as possible.

Can I roast the squash instead of boiling?

Absolutely. Roasting brings out even more sweetness and adds caramelization. Just toss the squash with oil and roast at 400°F until tender and slightly browned.

Any garnish swaps for microgreens?

Try thinly sliced scallions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of chili threads for color and a bit of zing.

author_avatar
Tini Younger
Tini's cooking journey began when she stumbled into high school culinary class. She has since competed on Next Level Chef and now shares her recipes on social media, where she's grateful for the incredible support from her followers.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJo-G1syw_kTyXS2GnMg36A5zYBbcS6nA

30MINS

Total Time

$7.24

Cost Per Serving

Ingredients

Servings
4
us / metric
BBQ Rub
Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp
Brown Sugar
Smoked Paprika
2 Tbsp
Smoked Paprika
Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
1 Tbsp
Onion Powder
Kosher Salt
2 tsp
Kosher Salt
Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp
Cayenne Pepper
Dried Oregano
1 tsp
Dried Oregano
Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp
Ground Black Pepper
Grilled Chicken
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breast
4
(10 oz)
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts
Avocado Oil
3 Tbsp
Avocado Oil
or Neutral High Heat Oil
Microgreens
to taste
Microgreens
to garnish
Butternut Squash Purée
Butternut Squash
1
(2.8 lb)
Butternut Squash, peeled, deseeded, diced
Unsalted Butter
4 Tbsp
Unsalted Butter
Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp
Maple Syrup
Kosher Salt
1 tsp
Kosher Salt
Bourbon Glaze
Bourbon
4 Tbsp
Bourbon
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup
Brown Sugar
Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbsp
Balsamic Vinegar
Dijon Mustard
2 tsp
Dijon Mustard
Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp
Worcestershire Sauce
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp
Kosher Salt
Garlic
2 cloves
Garlic, minced
Unsalted Butter
2 Tbsp
Unsalted Butter
Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
Broccolini
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
3 Tbsp
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic
4 cloves
Garlic, minced
Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp
Kosher Salt
Broccolini
2 3/4 cups
Broccolini
Love This Recipe?
author_avatar
Tini Younger
Tini's cooking journey began when she stumbled into high school culinary class. She has since competed on Next Level Chef and now shares her recipes on social media, where she's grateful for the incredible support from her followers.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJo-G1syw_kTyXS2GnMg36A5zYBbcS6nA

Cooking Instructions

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step 1
For the bbq rub: Add Brown Sugar (2 Tbsp), Smoked Paprika (2 Tbsp), Garlic Powder (1 Tbsp), Onion Powder (1 Tbsp), Kosher Salt (2 tsp), Cayenne Pepper (1 tsp), Dried Oregano (1 tsp), and Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp) to a bowl and whisk to combine.
step 2
For the grilled chicken: Put the Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts (4) in a large bowl and season liberally with the rub. Set aside while you make the puree and glaze.
step 3
For the butternut squash puree: Heat a large pot of salted boiling water over medium high heat. Add the Butternut Squash (1) with 1 tablespoon of Unsalted Butter (1 Tbsp) to the boiling water and cook until fork tender, about 10 minutes.
step 4
While the squash is boiling, place a saucepan over medium heat. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons (44g) of Unsalted Butter (3 Tbsp), Maple Syrup (2 Tbsp), and Kosher Salt (1 tsp). Cook the sauce for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly, until it thickens slightly.
step 5
Drain the squash from the water and place in a food processor. Add the maple-butter sauce and puree until smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a saucepan and reheat when ready to serve.
step 6
For the bourbon glaze: Add the Bourbon (4 Tbsp), Balsamic Vinegar (1 Tbsp), Brown Sugar (1/2 cup), Dijon Mustard (2 tsp), Worcestershire Sauce (1/2 tsp), Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp), Kosher Salt (1/4 tsp), and Garlic (2 cloves) to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Carefully tilt the pan towards the flame to ignite the bourbon and flambé the glaze; alternatively use a kitchen torch to light the bourbon to flambé. Let the flame burn out and then simmer the sauce, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to the consistency of honey, about 4-5 minutes. Turn the heat off, add the Unsalted Butter (2 Tbsp) and Lemon Juice (1/2 tsp) and whisk to combine. Set aside.
step 7
Grilled chicken continued: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Brush the chicken with Avocado Oil (3 Tbsp). Once the grill is hot and starts to smoke, put the chicken skin side down on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until browned with defined grill marks. Flip and grill the chicken on the second side.
step 8
Brush the chicken skin with half of the bourbon glaze to coat. Continue cooking until the flesh side begins to form a crust, flip and brush with more glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ / 74℃. Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
step 9
If using an outdoor grill, create two heat zones to cook the chicken. Heat one half of the grill to medium and the other half to medium-low. Place the chicken skin side down on the medium heat side. Cook until the chicken is browned with defined grill marks. Turn the chicken over and move it to the medium-low side of the grill. Brush with the bourbon glaze to coat, and close the grill until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
step 10
For the broccolini: In a large bowl whisk together the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (3 Tbsp), Garlic (4 cloves), Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp), and Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp). Add the Broccolini (2 3/4 cups) and toss to fully coat with the dressing.
step 11
When ready to cook, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the grill begins to smoke slightly, add the broccolini and cook until slightly charred on both sides and tender, about 3 minutes per side. Serve warm.
step 12
To assemble: If you have left over bourbon glaze, you can reheat it by bringing the sauce to a boil for about 1-2 minutes. Add the butternut puree to the plate. Top the puree with the glazed chicken breast. Spoon over extra glaze if desired. Add the charred broccolini to the side and garnish the chicken with the Microgreens (to taste).
step 12 To assemble: If you have left over bourbon glaze, you can reheat it by bringing the sauce to a boil for about 1-2 minutes. Add the butternut puree to the plate. Top the puree with the glazed chicken breast. Spoon over extra glaze if desired. Add the charred broccolini to the side and garnish the chicken with the Microgreens (to taste).

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RECIPES TAG

American
Chicken
Date Night
Shellfish-Free
Kid-Friendly
Dinner
Mother's Day
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