Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this dish will impress your family and friends. The sticky bourbon sauce elevates the chicken to restaurant-quality status, ensuring every bite is satisfying and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.
• Kid-Friendly Option: You can easily adapt this recipe to create a kid-friendly version without bourbon.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and bourbon creates a rich sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Make Ahead: This bourbon chicken is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make this easy bourbon chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pot: A large skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken, while also providing enough space for the sauce.
• Medium bowl: Useful for mixing the cornstarch and seasoning with the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing the flavors in your bourbon sauce.
• 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 to the bowl and toss well to completely coat each piece.

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 in batches if necessary. Cook on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes.
3. Flip each piece of chicken and cook for another 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Stir well; bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

1. Reduce heat to low; return browned chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half.

Step 5: Optional Thickening Step

1. To thicken the sauce further if desired, combine additional cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl or cup.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce; let it simmer for another two minutes before removing from heat.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Easy Bourbon Chicken! Enjoy it hot over steamed rice or as desired!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken is simple and versatile. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Fluffy rice acts as the perfect base, soaking up the sticky bourbon sauce.
• Fried Rice: For a twist, serve it over flavorful fried rice packed with veggies.

With Vegetables

• Sautéed Broccoli: This adds vibrant color and a crunchy texture to your plate.
• Stir-fried Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers bring sweetness and freshness to balance the rich sauce.

As Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken for a fresh, low-carb option.
• Tortilla Wraps: Create a delicious burrito-style meal by wrapping the chicken in tortillas with toppings.

Garnished

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh bite and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing presentation.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

To achieve restaurant-quality Easy Bourbon Chicken at home, consider these handy tips. They will help you capture that ideal balance of flavors and textures.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality bourbon make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary; this ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt or sweetness according to your preference; every palate is different!
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Pairing Easy Bourbon Chicken with complementary side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and fluffy, jasmine rice absorbs the savory sauce wonderfully.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add freshness and crunch.
3. Egg Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice with eggs makes for a hearty side that complements the chicken perfectly.
4. Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame dressing offers a nice crunch.
5. Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or fried potatoes seasoned simply enhance any plate with their comforting texture.
6. Miso Soup: A light miso soup serves as an excellent starter or side that complements Asian flavors seamlessly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less flavorful dish. The coating helps create a crispy texture and thickens the sauce.
• Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too much chicken at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches for perfectly browned chicken pieces.
• Ignoring sauce simmering time: Not allowing the sauce to simmer can result in a watery consistency. Simmer until reduced for a thicker, more flavorful glaze.
• Using high-sodium soy sauce: High-sodium soy sauce can make your dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Not tasting for seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste your sauce before serving can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for better tracking.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Bourbon Chicken.

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Yes, you can replace bourbon with additional apple juice or chicken broth for a kid-friendly version.

What side dishes pair well with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite veggies, you’re bound to impress family and friends with this comforting dish. Give it a try today!