This Bourbon Chickenis a savory and sweet dish inspired by the flavors of Chinese-American cuisine. Tender chicken is coated in a rich, sticky sauce made with bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s hard to resist. What’s a good recipe to serve over rice or noodles?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs., cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup (80ml) bourbon. 1/3 cup (
- 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce. 1/2 cup (120ml) So
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar. 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth. 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.(optional, for heat) (optional,
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the ChickenIn a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the SauceIn the same skillet, add the bourbon and cook for 1-2 minutes to burn off the alcohol. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine chicken and sauce in a bowl. Serve immediately.: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce clings to the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- SubstitutionsIf you prefer to omit alcohol, substitute bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Optional Add-ins: Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a veggie-packed meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
This Bourbon ChickenWhat are some of the best recipes that deliver bold flavors with minimal effort?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make Bourbon Chicken Sauce ahead of time?
Can you make the sauce up to 3 days in advance? When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce in a skillet, cook the chicken, and combine the two. This allows the flavors to meld further. Can you cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving, storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days?
Can you substitute bourbon in this Bourbon Chicken recipe?
If you prefer to omit the bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth. The apple juice will add a touch of sweetness, while chicken broth will provide a more savory base. For a more complex flavor profile, you could also use a combination of apple juice and a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you use a sweeter substitute for brown sugar, adjust the amount accordingly.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready?
The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. When the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon, it should be a rich, glossy consistency that clings to the chicken. The simmering time for the sauce is 3-4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your stove and pan.
Can I double or triple this Bourbon Chicken recipe?
Can you double or triple this recipe? How do I cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding? Increase the cooking time for both the chicken and sauce slightly, keeping an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken and the thickness of the sauce. Be sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of sauce and chicken.
What are the nutritional benefits of Bourbon Chicken?
This Bourbon Chicken provides a good source of protein from the chicken thighs, which are also rich in iron. The soy sauce contributes sodium and umami flavor. The grated ginger adds anti-inflammatory properties, while the apple cider vinegar may aid in digestion. While the brown sugar adds sweetness, it also contributes to the caramelization of the sauce. Green onions provide a small dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
Bourbon Chicken
This Bourbon Chicken is a savory and sweet dish that is perfect for a quick dinner night.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon bourbon optional
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, and ginger. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
Optionally, garnish with green onions before serving.
