Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Bourbon Chicken is a beloved dish that blends the sweet and savory flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon into a sticky, delicious glaze. Originating from the food courts of American malls, this dish has become a favorite for its simplicity and incredible taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce better.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Add to Chicken: Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
2. Thicken with Cornstarch: If the sauce is too thin, add the cornstarch-water mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Garnish the Bourbon Chicken with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
2. Serving Suggestions: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed white rice, with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Steamed Rice: The classic accompaniment to Bourbon Chicken, steamed white rice helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Sautéed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots provides a colorful and nutritious side that complements the chicken.
• Fried Rice: For an extra treat, serve the Bourbon Chicken with fried rice, which adds a deliciously savory element to the meal.

Beverage Pairings

• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of the Bourbon Chicken.
• Bourbon Cocktail: If you’re in the mood to match the theme, enjoy your meal with a bourbon-based cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them ideal for this recipe. However, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.

Adjusting the Flavor

• Control the Sweetness: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted to your preference. For a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
• Enhance the Bourbon Flavor: For a stronger bourbon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of bourbon to the sauce.

Making It Healthier

• Reduce the Sugar: You can reduce the sugar in the recipe by substituting some of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Baking Instead of Frying: If you prefer a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Conclusion

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Serve it over rice with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat to the dish. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Yield: 4

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Print

Bourbon Chicken is a beloved dish that blends the sweet and savory flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon into a sticky, delicious glaze. Originating from the food courts of American malls, this dish has become a favorite for its simplicity and incredible taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
   
3. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and well-coated.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Bourbon: The bourbon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with chicken broth or apple juice.

Chicken: Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Sauce: The sauce should be thick and glossy; if it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or chicken broth.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chicken can also be marinated in the sauce overnight for deeper flavor.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas and is perfect served over jasmine or basmati rice.