Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of a restaurant right into your home kitchen. With its sticky sweet bourbon sauce, this meal is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to create a kid-friendly version without bourbon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of bourbon and other ingredients creates a rich, tangy sauce that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the spice level or swap out ingredients to cater to different tastes.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy glaze on the chicken makes this dish look as good as it tastes, ideal for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is crucial.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Medium bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pot: Essential for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce evenly.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing cornstarch with seasonings before coating the chicken.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This easy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken recipe is absolutely addicting, thanks to a sticky sweet Bourbon sauce with lots of flavor! Read the notes for a kid-friendly version without bourbon.

Ingredients:
– 3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
– 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra, see notes)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
– ⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
– ⅓ cup apple juice
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
– 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
2. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes.
3. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Add Sauce Ingredients

1. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add all remaining sauce ingredients (chicken broth through red pepper flakes).
3. Stir well and bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

1. Reduce heat to low and return chicken back into the skillet.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes until sauce reduces by half.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

1. If desired for thicker sauce, combine an additional cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir into sauce and let simmer for another two minutes before removing from heat.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Bourbon Chicken served hot over steamed rice!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful experience that can elevate any dinner table. This dish pairs wonderfully with various side dishes and garnishes, making it versatile for different occasions.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the bourbon chicken hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair with a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for added color and nutrition. The crunch complements the tender chicken perfectly.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Place the bourbon chicken on top of cooked noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a comforting twist. The sauce coats the noodles beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the bourbon chicken in fresh lettuce leaves. Add some shredded carrots and cucumbers for crunch and freshness.

With a Salad

• Create a refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The salad balances the sweetness of the bourbon sauce.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

To ensure your Easy Bourbon Chicken turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality soy sauce enhance the flavor significantly.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden brown color.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce helps infuse flavors deeply into the meat.
• Thicken wisely: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Choosing sides that complement your Easy Bourbon Chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice
   A classic choice filled with eggs, peas, and carrots that brings extra flavor to your plate.

2. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for sopping up any extra sauce while adding a crunchy texture to your meal.

3. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet bourbon chicken, balancing flavors nicely.

4. Quinoa Salad
   This nutritious option provides protein and fiber while being light enough not to overshadow the main dish.

5. Grilled Asparagus
   Tender asparagus adds an elegant touch and a hint of smokiness that pairs well with bourbon flavors.

6. Sweet Potato Mash
   Creamy mashed sweet potatoes bring sweetness that complements the dish without being overpowering.

7. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing can refresh your palate between bites of rich chicken.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy brussels sprouts provide crunchiness and earthy notes that enhance this dish’s overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating your chicken pieces with cornstarch can make the meat less tender and the sauce won’t adhere as well. Always toss the chicken in cornstarch before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets properly browned.
• Not using enough seasoning: Relying solely on the sauce for flavor can result in a bland dish. Season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Ignoring simmer time: Failing to let the sauce simmer long enough can prevent it from thickening properly. Allow the dish to simmer for at least 10 minutes for best results.
• Forgetting about optional ingredients: Missing out on ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes can limit flavor depth. Customize by adding spices according to your taste preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Bourbon Chicken.

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with additional apple juice or use a mix of apple juice and vinegar for a kid-friendly version.

What sides pair well with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Bourbon Chicken?

The total time is approximately 35 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You may use thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting the spice level or adding veggies. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. Try this recipe today and enjoy its wonderful flavors!