Hickory Bourbon Chicken from Ruby Tuesday features tender grilled chicken glazed with a smoky hickory bourbon sauce, topped with caramelized onions and served alongside seasoned vegetables, delivering a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a rich, glossy finish.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bourbon
- ½ cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
When selecting bourbon for Hickory Bourbon Chicken, choose a brand with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor to enhance the smoky hickory barbecue sauce. Fresh garlic and onion are essential to build depth in the glaze, while brown sugar and apple cider vinegar balance sweetness and tanginess. Use fresh mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini for vibrant color and texture alongside the chicken. Measuring ingredients accurately ensures a well-balanced sauce with the right consistency and flavor intensity. Your homemade Hickory Bourbon Chicken from Ruby Tuesday will closely mimic the savory, slightly sweet profile found on their menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine bourbon, hickory barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and minced garlic; whisk to mix well.
- Reserve ½ cup of sauce for glazing.
- Marinate chicken breasts in remaining sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice onion into thin rings.
- Heat skillet over medium heat; add butter.
- Add onions and sauté until caramelized; set aside.
- Grill chicken, basting with reserved sauce, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a saucepan, simmer any remaining marinade for 10 minutes to thicken.
- In skillet, cook mixed vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until tender.
- Place grilled chicken on serving plate.
- Spoon thickened bourbon sauce over chicken.
- Top chicken with caramelized onions.
- Serve with seasoned vegetables on the side.
Substitution
Hickory Bourbon Chicken from Ruby Tuesday copycat menu captures the essence of the restaurant's signature dish with its smoky bourbon glaze and tender grilled chicken breasts. If bourbon is unavailable or you prefer a non-alcoholic option, apple juice or white grape juice can be used to maintain the sweetness and moisture in the sauce. When grilling, using a grill pan indoors is an excellent alternative if an outdoor grill is not accessible, allowing you to achieve a similar charred effect. You can substitute mixed vegetables with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand to tailor the dish to your preferences. Remember to baste generously with the hickory bourbon sauce to keep the chicken moist and amplify flavor throughout cooking.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors from the bourbon and spices to deeply penetrate the meat. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. When grilling, baste frequently with the reserved sauce to maintain moisture and enhance the smoky bourbon flavor. Your vegetables should be cooked until tender but still crisp, seasoned with Italian seasoning to complement the rich sauce and caramelized onions.
Nutritions
Hickory Bourbon Chicken offers a balanced nutritional profile, combining lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken breasts with antioxidants and vitamins from the mixed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. The bourbon and hickory-flavored barbecue sauce adds flavor with moderate sugars from brown sugar, contributing carbohydrates, while the olive oil provides healthy fats. Your meal delivers essential nutrients including vitamin C, fiber, and a moderate calorie count suitable for a satisfying yet health-conscious dinner. Keep portion sizes in mind to maintain a balanced intake of sodium and sugars from the soy sauce and barbecue components.
Storage
Store your Hickory Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain flavor and food safety. Keep the caramelized onions and seasoned vegetables in separate containers to preserve their textures. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting bourbon with apple brandy or dark rum to maintain the rich flavor while offering a different twist. You can also swap hickory barbecue sauce for a smoky chipotle or mesquite barbecue sauce to add a spicier, smoky note. Instead of grilling, sear the chicken in a hot skillet to develop a caramelized crust and finish cooking in the oven for juicier results. If you want to enhance the vegetable side, roast the mixed vegetables with garlic and rosemary to bring out deeper, earthy flavors.
Allergies
Hickory Bourbon Chicken contains soy sauce, which is a common allergen derived from soybeans, and Worcestershire sauce, which may include fish ingredients like anchovies, posing potential risks for those with soy or fish allergies. The recipe also uses Dijon mustard, a known allergen for mustard-sensitive individuals. If you have allergies, carefully check all ingredient labels and consider substitutions to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
The Hickory Bourbon Chicken from Ruby Tuesday offers a perfect balance of smoky hickory flavor combined with a rich bourbon glaze, creating a savory and sweet taste that appeals to many. The tender chicken pieces are complemented by a distinctive sauce that enhances the overall dining experience, making it a popular menu choice. Recreating this dish at home allows You to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal while customizing ingredients and cooking methods to your preference. Mastering the copycat recipe provides both satisfaction and a cost-effective alternative to eating out.