Bourbon chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce featuring bourbon whiskey. This recipe is a favorite at many American Chinese restaurants and mall food courts, but the great news is you can easily make it at home in less than 30 minutes! Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you create this flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken
For the Chicken:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2-3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
For the Sauce:
– ¼ cup soy sauce (light or low sodium preferred)
– ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
– ¼ cup bourbon whiskey (adds the signature flavor)
– ½ cup chicken broth or stock
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
– Optional: 1-2 tablespoons orange juice (for a subtle citrus twist)
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)
To Serve:
– Steamed white rice or egg fried rice
– Sliced green onions (scallions)
– Sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bourbon Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Toss the chicken in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until each piece is well coated. This helps create a slight crispiness and thickens the sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, chicken broth, vinegar, and orange juice if using. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch-water mixture into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency that clings to the chicken.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve your bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and color.
Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken Every Time
– Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
– If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice mixed with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
– Don’t skip the cornstarch coating; it helps the sauce stick to the chicken beautifully.
– Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by varying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
– For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Bourbon chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s just as delicious as your favorite takeout – and better because you made it yourself! Enjoy the sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors with a side of rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Ready to try this recipe? What’s your favorite side dish to pair with bourbon chicken?