Bourbon Chicken is a savory dish with tender chicken coated in a sticky bourbon sauce. This recipe embodies comfort food, combining the rich flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of brown sugar and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Chicken

This easy bourbon chicken dish is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s quick to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weekdays. Second, the flavor profile is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, creating a bourbon glazed chicken that tantalizes your taste buds. Third, it’s versatile; enjoy it with rice, noodles, or even as a filling for wraps. Additionally, it’s a great way to introduce bourbon into your cooking without overwhelming flavors. Plus, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser—ideal for dinner parties or family meals.

Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken

Gather these items:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
• 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• Sliced scallions
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Bourbon Chicken Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a clean plate.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and ginger to the same pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Step 6: Add the chicken back to the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by about half and is glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken.
7. Step 7: Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve over white rice.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Chicken

Keep these in mind:

• Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.
• Ensure the chicken is well-coated in cornstarch for that crispy texture.
• For an even easier bourbon chicken recipe, consider using a slow cooker.

Best Ways to Serve Bourbon Chicken

This bourbon chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious bourbon chicken sauce. You can also enjoy it with stir-fried vegetables for a healthier option. For something different, consider serving it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Bourbon Chicken

To store leftovers, simply place your bourbon chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. This dish is also great for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Bourbon Chicken?

The secret lies in marinating the chicken in the bourbon chicken marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Can I make Bourbon Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Bourbon chicken can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bourbon Chicken?

To avoid mistakes, ensure the chicken is cooked in batches to achieve a crispy texture. Also, be careful not to overcook the sauce; you want it thick and glossy but not burnt.

Variations of Bourbon Chicken You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, there are many bourbon chicken variations you can experiment with. For a healthier bourbon chicken option, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more colorful dish. For a bourbon-style chicken, consider using a blend of different sauces for a unique flavor profile.

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline.

Bourbon Chicken: 30-Minute Sweet and Savory Delight

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Bourbon Chicken is a savory dish with tender chicken coated in a sticky bourbon sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
• 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• Sliced scallions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a clean plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and ginger to the same pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the chicken back to the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by about half and is glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken.
7. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve over white rice.

Notes

• Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg