There’s something magical about gathering outdoors with friends and family to share a meal, the smoky scent of wood-fired grilling filling the air. For years, I dreamed of creating the perfect outdoor kitchen—a space that would elevate every barbecue into an unforgettable experience. That dream became a reality with the custom-built Santa Maria grill from Bourbon Trail Grillworks, a piece so extraordinary it transformed the entire backyard into an entertainer's paradise.
In this post, I’ll share my journey of building out an outdoor kitchen centered around this remarkable grill and give you a mouthwatering bourbon grilled chicken recipe that’s perfect for breaking it in.
The Vision: Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen
When I first envisioned my outdoor kitchen, I wanted it to feel like an extension of my home. Functionality was key, but so was creating a space that felt warm and inviting. The centerpiece had to be a showstopper, and after much research, I found Bourbon Trail Grillworks—a company known for their handcrafted Santa Maria grills. These aren’t just grills; they’re works of art designed to last a lifetime.
A Santa Maria grill is a unique style of wood-fired grill that features an adjustable grate system. The open flame imparts a distinct smoky flavor, while the adjustable height allows for precision cooking. With the Bourbon Trail Grillworks model, I opted for customizations like a built-in rotisserie and a side-mounted salsa station. It’s rustic yet modern, rugged yet refined.
Building the Outdoor Kitchen: From Dream to Reality
Planning the Layout
The first step in creating the outdoor kitchen was planning the layout. I sketched out a space that included the grill, a prep station, a sink, and ample counter space. I also wanted a seating area where guests could gather, plus some storage for utensils and firewood.
Selecting Materials
Choosing the right materials was critical. I wanted something durable enough to withstand the elements yet beautiful enough to complement the grill. For the counters, I went with concrete, which paired perfectly with the grill’s industrial-chic design. The flooring was done in flagstone, providing a rustic foundation that tied everything together.
Installation and Assembly
The Santa Maria grill arrived in a crate—and let me tell you, unboxing it felt like Christmas morning. Assembly was straightforward thanks to detailed instructions from Bourbon Trail Grillworks. With a little help from friends, we had it set up in an afternoon. The final touch was installing a pergola overhead to provide shade and stringing up Edison lights to create a cozy ambiance.
Breaking in the Grill: Bourbon Grilled Chicken Recipe
Once the outdoor kitchen was complete, it was time to break in the grill. What better way to celebrate than with a dish that pays homage to the grill’s Kentucky roots? This bourbon grilled chicken is smoky, sweet, and savory—everything you could want in a barbecue dish.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup bourbon (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the mixture.
- Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Grill Build a medium-hot fire in your Santa Maria grill using oak or hickory wood for optimal flavor. Adjust the grate to its highest position and allow the grill to preheat.
- Grill the Chicken Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and lower the grate to bring it closer to the flames. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, then raise the grate and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (approximately 15-20 minutes total).
- Baste for Flavor While grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every few minutes. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust and enhance the bourbon flavor.
- Rest and Serve Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or classic cornbread for a complete meal.
Reflections: The Joy of Cooking Outdoors
Cooking on the Santa Maria grill is an experience like no other. The combination of open flames, the aroma of wood smoke, and the precision control of the grate height makes every meal a celebration. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a large gathering, the grill has become the heart of my outdoor kitchen.
This journey taught me that building an outdoor kitchen is about more than creating a space to cook; it’s about crafting an environment where memories are made. The Santa Maria grill from Bourbon Trail Grillworks was the perfect centerpiece, combining functionality with artistry. And the bourbon grilled chicken? It was the perfect dish to christen this new chapter of backyard living.
If you’re considering building your own outdoor kitchen, my advice is simple: invest in quality, plan thoughtfully, and embrace the process. And if you’re looking for a grill that will be the pride of your setup, look no further than Bourbon Trail Grillworks. Your outdoor culinary adventures are about to get a whole lot more exciting.
