Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you're craving a sweet and savory dish that’s easy to prepare, look no further than this delightful Bourbon Chicken recipe. With a rich sauce made from bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, this chicken dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy Bourbon Chicken recipe and discover helpful cooking tips along the way!

What is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not necessarily because it contains bourbon, though many variations do include this popular whiskey. The dish is typically made with tender chicken pieces that are seared and then simmered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. This sauce often includes bourbon, which gives the dish a subtle smoky flavor, but it can also be made without alcohol for those who prefer an alcohol-free version. The sauce thickens as it cooks, coating the chicken perfectly and offering a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients List for Bourbon Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
• ¼ cup of bourbon (optional, can substitute with apple juice)
• ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup of chicken broth
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• ¼ cup of ketchup
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Ingredients List for Alcohol-Free Bourbon Chicken

If you’d prefer to make Bourbon Chicken without alcohol, no worries! This version is just as delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
• ¼ cup of apple juice (substitute for bourbon)
• ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup of chicken broth
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• ¼ cup of ketchup
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Substitutions and Variations

This Bourbon Chicken recipe is versatile, allowing you to substitute ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Bourbon substitute: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. Both options maintain the balance of flavors without altering the dish drastically.
• Chicken thighs vs. chicken breasts: While chicken thighs provide a juicier texture, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
• Gluten-free option: To make this dish gluten-free, swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra texture and flavor. You can stir-fry them with the chicken for added nutrition.
• Spicy version: For those who like a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Low-sugar alternative: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they brown nicely during cooking.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl.
4. Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is browned, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Simmer and Finish: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the chicken nicely.
7. Serve and Garnish: Once the chicken is ready, serve it over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a burst of fresh flavor.

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

Cooking Bourbon Chicken is simple and straightforward, even for beginners. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:

• Step 1: Searing the chicken - The key to getting juicy chicken is to brown the chicken pieces in hot oil. This not only locks in the moisture but also adds a nice caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Step 2: Making the sauce - Whisking the sauce ingredients together ahead of time ensures you have everything ready when it’s time to add the sauce to the pan.
• Step 3: Thickening the sauce - The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency. Stir continuously to avoid clumps and get a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Step 4: Simmering to perfection - Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce lets the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: If you crowd the pan when browning the chicken, the pieces will steam instead of searing, leading to less flavor. Cook in batches if needed.
• Not thickening the sauce properly: Skipping the cornstarch slurry or not stirring it in properly can result in a runny sauce that won’t cling to the chicken.
• Cooking on too high heat: Be sure to simmer the chicken on low heat once you add the sauce. High heat can cause the sauce to burn or reduce too quickly, making it overly sticky.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a stunning presentation, consider serving Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice or jasmine rice. Garnishing with fresh green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’ve added vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, arrange them around the chicken for a beautiful contrast of colors.

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is best served over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with other sides like mashed potatoes, noodles, or a simple vegetable stir-fry. For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Chicken

• Family-Style Serving: Serve the Bourbon Chicken in a large dish with rice on the side, allowing everyone to serve themselves. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for added texture.
• Individual Bowls: Serve the chicken in individual bowls over rice, topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Bento Box Style: For a fun presentation, serve the chicken in a bento box with separate compartments for rice, vegetables, and a side of fruit.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips

• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more flavorful.
• Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
• Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients so you have plenty to drizzle over your rice or vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.

Is there a substitute for bourbon?

Absolutely! Apple juice or chicken broth can be used in place of bourbon for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?

Yes, Bourbon Chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

How long does Bourbon Chicken last in the fridge?

Bourbon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. Whether you choose to include the bourbon or make an alcohol-free version, the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors will make this dish a favorite in your household. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make it your own!

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