Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender chicken, savory spices, and a sweet, tangy bourbon sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features succulent chicken cooked to perfection and coated in a rich sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
What Is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish found in Southern cuisine and Chinese-American takeout spots. Despite its name, it doesn’t necessarily need to be made with bourbon. The bourbon in the recipe helps create a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that makes this chicken irresistible. The name “Bourbon Chicken” likely comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where this flavorful dish first gained popularity.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bourbon Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are a leaner option, chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier, making them the ideal choice for this recipe.
Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice, grape juice, or non-alcoholic bourbon. The sweetness of the replacement helps maintain the dish’s signature flavor.
Thickening the Sauce: If you like your sauce extra thick, use cornstarch to thicken it up. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a mild version, leave them out entirely. For a spicier kick, add some chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Once it’s browned and cooked through, it’s ready to be tossed with the sauce.
Variations of Bourbon Chicken
While the traditional Bourbon Chicken recipe is already flavorful, there are several ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Bourbon Chicken with Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the sauce during the simmering process. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the bourbon perfectly.
Grilled Bourbon Chicken: If you’re craving a smoky flavor, marinate the chicken in the bourbon sauce for a few hours before grilling. This will infuse the chicken with an extra layer of flavor.
Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, carrots, and broccoli to the skillet after searing the chicken. This makes for a one-pan stir-fry that’s full of flavor and color.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken: If you prefer a hands-off approach, throw your chicken, sauce ingredients, and all into a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
How to Serve Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken pairs beautifully with many sides, making it a versatile dish. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice: The rice absorbs the rich bourbon sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a nutritious addition.
- Fried Rice: For an extra indulgent meal, pair Bourbon Chicken with fried rice for added flavor and texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for comfort food, mashed potatoes are a great base for the bourbon sauce.
How to Store Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken can be stored for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze Bourbon Chicken for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat from frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stovetop.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Bourbon Chicken ahead of time? Yes, Bourbon Chicken is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts work just as well in this recipe. Keep in mind that they can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them.
3. Is Bourbon necessary for the recipe? Not at all! The bourbon provides a unique depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with apple juice, grape juice, or a non-alcoholic alternative if you prefer.
4. Can I add vegetables to Bourbon Chicken? Absolutely! You can stir-fry or sauté vegetables like bell peppers, onions, carrots, and snap peas to mix in with the chicken and sauce.
5. How do I make Bourbon Chicken spicy? If you prefer a spicy Bourbon Chicken, add more crushed red pepper flakes or mix in some chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender chicken, savory spices, and a sweet, tangy bourbon sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features succulent chicken cooked to perfection and coated in a rich sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup apple juice
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, and soy sauce. Stir and cook over medium heat until the mixture is well combined and the sugar dissolves.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and bring everything to a hard boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Spoon the Bourbon Chicken over hot rice and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 521Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 193mgSodium 1407mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 0gSugar 18gProtein 72g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Bourbon Chicken is an easy-to-make yet flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy any craving. With its sweet and savory bourbon sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner party. Whether you enjoy it as is or try out one of the variations, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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