Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner that’s both sweet and savory with a touch of richness? This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you're craving comforting, flavorful food. Tender chicken is coated in a rich sauce made with bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, creating an irresistible glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Despite its name, bourbon chicken is often associated with Chinese food found in malls and food courts, but this homemade version is much healthier and tastier!

Whether you serve it over rice or alongside your favorite veggies, Bourbon Chicken is sure to be a hit with your family or guests. The best part? It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

this Recipe

What is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, though it’s typically associated with American-Chinese cuisine. It features juicy chicken pieces cooked in a thick, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce that’s made with bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sometimes ketchup. The bourbon gives the dish a subtle richness and depth, while the sweet and savory sauce caramelizes the chicken for a sticky, finger-licking good glaze.

Ingredients List for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Before you begin, gather these ingredients. This recipe serves about 4, but it can be easily doubled if you’re feeding more people.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for coating the chicken to make it crispier)

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium works best)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Substitutions and Variations

This Bourbon Chicken recipe is quite flexible, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when cooking, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Bourbon Substitute: If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute with whiskey, or if you want a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with apple juice or additional chicken broth.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended, but you can also use tamari (for gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener, you can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Add Veggies: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for a more complete meal.
• Spicy Option: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

These variations allow you to adjust the dish to your taste while still enjoying the core flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make Easy Bourbon Chicken? Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delicious dish.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with a bit of salt and pepper. If you want extra crispy chicken, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch before cooking—this helps give the chicken a slight crisp when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the alcohol in the bourbon to evaporate and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring, and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the bourbon sauce to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked through and coated in the sticky sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of color and added texture.

Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easy Bourbon Chicken turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too much chicken at once, it will steam rather than sear. Cook the chicken in batches for a better sear and more flavor.
• Not Letting the Sauce Reduce: The sauce needs time to reduce and thicken. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to getting that sticky, glaze-like consistency.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so make sure to sauté it for only about 30 seconds. Burnt garlic can turn the sauce bitter.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Bourbon Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about serving and presentation.

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken

Here are a few serving ideas to pair with Bourbon Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
• With Stir-Fried Veggies: Sauté some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas on the side to add a healthy and colorful touch.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in lettuce cups topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
• With Noodles: Toss the bourbon chicken with cooked noodles (like lo mein or udon) for a different twist.

Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Chicken

• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Sesame Seeds for Texture: Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
• Serve in a Wide Bowl: Serve the chicken in a wide, shallow bowl over rice, allowing the sauce to pool around the chicken.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these tips in mind when making Easy Bourbon Chicken:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give the sauce a more authentic and rich flavor compared to pre-ground or jarred options.
• Let the Sauce Thicken: Don’t rush the sauce—letting it reduce and thicken on its own (or with cornstarch) is crucial to getting that sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Heat: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more brown sugar or honey. For more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Bourbon Chicken without alcohol?
A: Yes! If you want to make this dish alcohol-free, simply replace the bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or water. You’ll still get a delicious sweet and savory sauce, just without the depth of flavor from the bourbon.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breasts work just as well. Just keep in mind that they can cook faster and tend to be leaner, so be careful not to overcook them.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze Bourbon Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Easy Bourbon Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all in one dish. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can recreate the popular takeout dish at home, complete with a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own kitchen!

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