This brown sugar bourbon marinade is sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of bold. It’s the kind of marinade that makes chicken, steak, or even tofu taste like it came from your favorite BBQ spot. You only need a few pantry staples and a splash of bourbon to make something seriously tasty.
Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this one during grilling season when I wanted something with big flavor but not too spicy. The bourbon gives it a little smoky edge, and the brown sugar makes it sticky-sweet in the best way. Now I keep a jar ready to go whenever we’re firing up the grill or even just roasting chicken in the oven.
Here’s why you’ll love it too:
- 🥃 Bourbon adds smoky, deep flavor without being overpowering
- 🍯 Brown sugar balances everything with sweetness
- ⏱️ Takes 5 minutes to mix—then just marinate and cook
- 🍗 Perfect for chicken, pork, steak, or tofu
- 🔥 Grills up with beautiful caramelized edges
⏰ Time to Make: 5 minutes
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of meat or veggies
Ingredients
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
How to Make Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade
1. Add Brown Sugar and Garlic
In a mixing bowl or jar, add brown sugar and minced garlic.
2. Add the Liquids
Pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
3. Season and Mix
Add black pepper and salt, then whisk everything until smooth.
4. Marinate Your Protein
Pour over chicken, steak, pork chops, or tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
What to Serve With It
Once you’ve grilled or baked your marinated chicken (or whatever you’re using), here are some sides that pair perfectly:
- 🥔 Mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- 🌽 Grilled corn on the cob
- 🥗 Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- 🍚 Rice or quinoa
- 🥖 Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
FAQ
Can I use this without bourbon?
Yep! Swap the bourbon for apple juice or broth for a non-alcoholic version.
How long should I marinate?
At least 30 minutes, but 4–6 hours (or overnight) is best for full flavor.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Totally—make the marinade ahead and store it in the fridge up to 1 week.
Can I use it as a sauce too?
Yes, but boil it first if it’s been in contact with raw meat. You can also set some aside before marinating.
What’s the best protein for this marinade?
Chicken breasts or thighs, pork chops, tofu, and even steak work beautifully.
Enjoy!
This Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade adds sweet, smoky, sticky goodness to anything you pour it on. Mix it up, let it soak, and get ready for the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a grill master (even if you just used a skillet). 🥃🍗🔥