Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you're craving something delicious that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, Bourbon Chicken is the perfect dish to try. It's a popular takeout-style recipe that is easy to make at home and comes together in no time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish. Read on for everything you need to know to make the best Bourbon Chicken from scratch!

What is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, sticky chicken dish often found in mall food courts or Chinese-American restaurants. The dish gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not necessarily the liquor (though the recipe does include a bit of bourbon whiskey!). It features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon whiskey, along with a few other seasonings that give it its unique flavor. The sauce is reduced to a sticky glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, making it an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

Ingredients List for Bourbon Chicken

To make this delicious Bourbon Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ¼ cup bourbon whiskey (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
• ½ cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium to control saltiness)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water (to dissolve the cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil, for cooking the chicken)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2-3 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Cooked white rice (for serving)

Ingredients List for Bourbon Chicken Sauce

The sauce is what makes Bourbon Chicken so special. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients that come together to create a sticky glaze that coats the chicken. Here's a quick breakdown of the key ingredients for the sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Provides the savory, umami base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
• Bourbon Whiskey: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances out the sweetness with a little tang.
• Garlic & Ginger: Infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat (optional but recommended).

Substitutions and Variations

While Bourbon Chicken is already a delicious dish, there are a few ways you can customize the recipe to fit your preferences:

• Bourbon Substitute: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. The bourbon adds a subtle smoky flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
• Soy Sauce Alternatives: If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce or even substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs are preferred in this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful that chicken breasts may cook a little faster and could dry out if overcooked.
• Spicier Option: If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce.
• Healthier Twist: For a lighter version, you can cut down on the sugar or use honey or a natural sweetener instead of brown sugar.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe follows a straightforward process. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Finish with Sesame Oil: For extra flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil just before removing the skillet from the heat. This step is optional, but it adds a rich, nutty taste to the dish.

How to Cook Bourbon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 2: Whisk together the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes).
• Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked.
• Step 4: Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Step 5: Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
• Step 6: Add sesame oil (if using) and stir until everything is well combined.
• Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. If the pan is too full, the chicken will steam instead of sear, preventing that delicious golden-brown color.
• Not Thickening the Sauce: Skipping the cornstarch slurry can lead to a runny sauce. Make sure to add the slurry to achieve that perfect sticky glaze.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but if you use chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly.
• Using High Heat: When adding the sauce, cook over medium or medium-low heat to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Bourbon Chicken is typically served over white rice, but you can also serve it with fried rice, quinoa, or even noodles. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken

• Rice: Bourbon Chicken is traditionally served over a bed of steamed white rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Veggies: Serve with a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for added nutrition.
• Noodles: Alternatively, serve the chicken over a bed of lo mein noodles or stir-fried udon for a heartier meal.

Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Chicken

• Garnish with Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Bright Plating: Serve the chicken on a white or light-colored plate to make the rich, dark sauce stand out.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips

• Marinating Option: For deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This is optional but adds an extra layer of taste.
• Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?
A: Yes! You can substitute bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or even cola for a different flavor profile.

Q: Is Bourbon Chicken spicy?
A: It has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, chicken breasts work fine, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.

Q: How long does Bourbon Chicken last in the fridge?
A: You can store leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?
A: Yes, it freezes well! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple and delicious Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its sweet, savory sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're making it with bourbon for a smoky twist or skipping the alcohol for a kid-friendly version, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and easy to follow. Serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles for a complete meal, and don’t forget to garnish with green onions for that final touch. Happy cooking!

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