Prepare to fire up your taste buds with this Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack With Bourbon Crunch! This dish is a tantalizing fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that will transport you straight to a backyard BBQ. Get ready to impress your guests with a meal thatβs both deliciously bold and surprisingly easy to make.
Why Youβll Love This Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack With Bourbon Crunch
This epic, flavor-packed dish is the perfect way to elevate your grilling game. The juicy, tender chicken is infused with a smoky-spicy marinade, while the creamy, crunchy bourbon-infused topping adds a delightful contrast. The result is a cozy, indulgent, and utterly craveable meal thatβs sure to become a new summertime favorite. With chef-tested steps and reliable results, this recipe is a surefire way to wow your family and friends.
Ingredients
This Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack features a luscious lineup of key ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, zesty jalapeΓ±os, and a rich, velvety bourbon sauce. The smoky, bright, and melty flavors come together for a truly satisfying and hearty dish.
- 4 β boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 β jalapeΓ±os, finely chopped
- 4 cloves β garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons β olive oil
- 1 teaspoon β smoked paprika
Ingredient Substitutions
- JalapeΓ±os: Anaheim or Fresno chili peppers (milder heat)
- Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack (for creamy, melty factor)
How to Make Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack With Bourbon Crunch
Fire up your grill and get ready to work your magic. Grill the marinated chicken until itβs perfectly charred and cooked through, then top it with the irresistible bourbon crunch mixture. Let the flavors meld together as the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs crisp up, creating a lush, craveable topping.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the chicken in a zesty, smoky mixture of jalapeΓ±os, garlic, and spices. This crucial step infuses the meat with bold, juicy flavor. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the indulgent bourbon crunch topping, which features a melty, golden blend of cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and a touch of tangy bourbon.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up your grill and get ready to work your magic. Grill the marinated chicken until itβs perfectly charred and cooked through, then top it with the irresistible bourbon crunch mixture. Let the flavors meld together as the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs crisp up, creating a lush, craveable topping.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack, simply layer the grilled chicken breasts with the bourbon crunch topping, creating a towering, flavor-packed masterpiece. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of any remaining sauce for a vibrant, visually stunning presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Twist: Try grilling the chicken over charcoal or wood chips for an extra smoky, festive flavor.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends in the marinade, such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika, to customize the flavor profile.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe easily scales up to make a larger batch, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Bake Option: If you donβt have access to a grill, you can bake the chicken in a 400Β°F oven for 25-30 minutes before topping and broiling.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: grilled veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh summer salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better with time.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken stacks in a 350Β°F oven until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the bourbon crunch topping can be made a day ahead. When ready to serve, simply grill the chicken and assemble the stacks.
Nutrition Information
This Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack is a hearty, satisfying meal thatβs packed with protein, veggies, and bold, zesty flavor. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 35 grams of protein, and a moderate amount of carbs and healthy fats.
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious and juicy alternative that will work beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can increase the amount of jalapeΓ±os in the marinade or topping, or try using a hotter variety of chili pepper.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can definitely bake the chicken if you donβt have access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F and bake the marinated chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through, before topping and broiling it.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the breadcrumbs in the bourbon crunch topping for gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the bourbon crunch topping can be made a day ahead. When ready to serve, simply grill the chicken and assemble the stacks.
Try These Next
- savory jalapeno garlic knot stuffed pretzels with jalapeno crunch
- cajun jalapeno deviled eggs stack with chipotle mayo
- honey jalapeno pork roast pull apart with pepper crunch
Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack With Bourbon Crunch
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: π₯ BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Jalapeno Chicken Stack with Bourbon Crunch is a flavorful barbecue dish that combines spiced chicken with a crunchy bourbon glaze, topped with grilled jalapenos and served with a zesty sauce.
Ingredients
β 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
β 4 jalapenos, halved and seeded
β 1/2 cup bourbon
β 1/4 cup brown sugar
β 1/4 cup soy sauce
β 2 tablespoons olive oil
β 1 teaspoon garlic powder
β 1 teaspoon onion powder
β 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
β Salt and pepper to taste
β Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. In a bowl, mix bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Marinate the chicken breasts in the bourbon mixture for at least 30 minutes.
5. 4. While the chicken marinates, grill the jalapenos for about 3-4 minutes until slightly charred.
6. 5. Remove the jalapenos and set aside.
7. 6. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
8. 7. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the remaining bourbon glaze over the chicken.
9. 8. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
10. 9. Stack the chicken breasts with grilled jalapenos on top and drizzle with extra bourbon glaze if desired.
11. 10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
β Adjust the level of spiciness by leaving some seeds in the jalapenos.
β Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with jalapenos
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, jalapeno, bourbon, BBQ