Why Make This Recipe
Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. This easy recipe makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion. Plus, the bourbon gives it a unique taste that you cannot find in other chicken dishes. It’s a great way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!
How to Make Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, garlic, and ginger. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cover. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
How to Serve Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is best served hot, right from the skillet! Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Bourbon Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze Bourbon Chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before adding it to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Bourbon Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- Make sure to cook the chicken on medium heat to avoid burning the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the bourbon amount based on your taste preference.
Variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the dish for added nutrition and color. Simply sauté them along with the chicken for a complete meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.
2. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?
You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or a mix of chicken broth and a dash of vinegar for a similar flavor without the alcohol.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker on low for about 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, adding the sauce halfway through cooking.
Enjoy your homemade Bourbon Chicken!
Bourbon Chicken
Equipment
- large skillet
- whisk
- bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For Serving
- cooked rice
- sesame seeds optional
- sliced green onions optional
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and toss with cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, then remove.
- Carefully wipe excess oil from the skillet.
Make the Sauce
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.