If you’ve ever enjoyed the sweet, sticky, and flavorful dish known as bourbon chicken at a restaurant, you might be wondering: how do you make bourbon chicken yourself? This beloved dish, inspired by the flavors of New Orleans, combines tender chicken with a rich bourbon-infused sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The good news? You can easily whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen with just a few ingredients and simple steps.
What Is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon chicken is a popular dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a glossy sauce made with bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and other seasonings. Despite its name, the bourbon flavor is subtle and balanced by the sweetness and umami of the sauce. It’s often served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make bourbon chicken at home, gather the following ingredients:
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are preferred for juiciness)
– Bourbon whiskey
– Soy sauce (both light and dark soy sauce can be used for depth)
– Brown sugar (light brown sugar works well)
– Garlic and ginger (fresh is best for flavor)
– Cornstarch (for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce)
– Chicken stock or broth
– Vegetable oil or olive oil for cooking
– Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
– Optional extras: orange juice or lime juice for a citrusy twist
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bourbon Chicken
1. Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Combine soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, chicken stock, and a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce later. Some recipes also include a splash of orange juice or lime juice for brightness. Stir everything until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely.
2. Coat the Chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating helps the chicken get a nice golden crust when cooked and allows the sauce to cling better.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, usually about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
4. Add Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Simmer in the Sauce
Pour the prepared bourbon sauce over the chicken and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
6. Final Touches
Optionally, slice the chicken into smaller pieces for a more authentic “food hall” style presentation. Toss the chicken back in the sauce to coat thoroughly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve
Serve your bourbon chicken hot over steamed white rice or egg fried rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken
– Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
– Don’t skip marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes if you have time; it helps infuse the flavors deeply.
– Adjust sweetness and bourbon to your taste. Some prefer a sweeter sauce, others a more pronounced bourbon flavor.
– Cook in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dish.
Why Make Bourbon Chicken at Home?
Making bourbon chicken at home is not only satisfying but also lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavor. It’s a quick recipe that can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Enjoy the comforting, sweet, and savory flavors of bourbon chicken anytime you want with this easy recipe. Once you try it, you might find it becoming a regular on your dinner rotation!
Bourbon chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors and tender chicken in every bite.