Easy Bourbon Chicken

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Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. For me, that dish is easy bourbon chicken. This one-pan wonder is not just simple to whip up, but it also delivers an explosion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Believe me when I say, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Allow me to take you on a flavorful journey as I share how to make this dish effortlessly and deliciously.

What is Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Let’s demystify bourbon chicken. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, it’s named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The dish consists of tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of bourbon.

The beauty of easy bourbon chicken is its simplicity. You can bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bourbon Chicken

This dish captures everything you crave in a meal: ease, taste, and versatility. Imagine sautéing chicken, letting it simmer in a sweet sauce, and serving it up with rice or veggies.

The bourbon brings a depth that elevates the chicken beyond the ordinary. Add to that the satisfaction of knowing you made it all by yourself, and you can serve it with pride.

On top of that, it’s incredibly adaptable. You can adjust the sweetness, add some spice, or even serve it a little differently each time. Trust me; once you give it a try, it’ll be your go-to recipe for filling those hungry bellies at dinner!

The Ingredients

Let’s roll up our sleeves and check out what you need for this delightful dish. Here’s the shopping list:

For the Chicken:

½ teaspoon salt

3 pounds chicken breasts – boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – or swap in sesame oil for a richer flavor
4 tablespoons cornstarch – plus ½ to 1 tablespoon extra, if needed

½ teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth – opt for low-sodium if you prefer less salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup bourbon – substitute with apple juice for a family-friendly version
⅔ cup soy sauce – low-sodium is a great option here too

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – adjust based on your taste preference
1 cup brown sugar – light or dark, your choice
4 cloves garlic – minced

⅓ cup apple juice
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional for a spicy kick!
⅓ cup ketchup

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first: we need to prep our chicken. Start with your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chop them into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the chicken.

Then, in a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will help create that lovely glaze later and give you that beautiful sear when you cook it.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or sesame oil if you’re feeling adventurous!). Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that the chicken sizzles as soon as it hits the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Spread it out in a single layer for even cooking. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown on all sides.

You might want to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the chicken will steam instead of searing.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, it’s sauce time!

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple juice, garlic, ginger, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything to combine. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll begin to smell the incredible aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the browned chicken back to the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes.

This allows the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully. If you find it’s not thick enough, feel free to mix in a little extra cornstarch mixed with water; this will help to achieve that rich sauce you’re looking for.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is beautifully glossy, it’s time to plate. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with some green onions or sesame seeds if you like a touch of class. Trust me, your plate will be a sight for sore eyes!

Tips & Tricks

Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Chicken thighs can also work well for this dish. They are flavorful and stay juicy.
Go Easy on the Bourbon: If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of bourbon or substitute it with apple juice for the kiddos.

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, cut back on the brown sugar and taste as you go.
Spice Level: For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or some diced fresh chilies to the sauce.
Meal Prep: This dish is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition Information

Before we tuck in, let’s take a quick dive into the nutrition side of things. This dish has protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice or any sides you choose, and plenty of flavor without excessive calories. A single serving (approximately one-quarter of the recipe) typically rounds out to:

Calories: ~350
Protein: 32g

Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Fat: 8g

Adjustments based on portion size and the sides you choose will, of course, alter these numbers.

Can I Store Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Absolutely! You can store easy bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheating it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth will keep it nice and moist. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can I Serve with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Pairing this bourbon chicken can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas:

Steamed Rice: The classic choice. The sticky rice soaks up that amazing sauce perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Think broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas tossed with a bit of olive oil and spices.
Noodles: Stir-fried or plain, noodles can soak up that rich sauce wonderfully.

Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the sweetness of the chicken.
Spring Rolls: For a fun appetizer or side!

Variations

While the traditional version is fantastic on its own, here are five variations to keep things exciting:

Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add some diced fresh pineapple to the sauce for a sweet tropical twist.
Vegetable Bourbon Chicken: Toss in a mix of bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. This adds color and nutrition.
Cajun Bourbon Chicken: Spice things up with Cajun seasoning for a bit of Southern flair.

Honey Mustard Bourbon Chicken: Substitute half the brown sugar with honey and add a couple of tablespoons of mustard for a tangy flavor boost.
Teriyaki Bourbon Chicken: Mix up the soy sauce with a homemade teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. For me, that dish is easy bourbon chicken

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Bowl