Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone craving a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home. The rich, sticky Bourbon sauce combines sweet and savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize for various tastes, making it a must-try for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Easy Bourbon Chicken can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of ingredients creates a sticky sauce that’s both sweet and savory, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Family-Friendly: You can easily make a kid-friendly version by substituting bourbon with apple juice or leaving it out entirely, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a filling in wraps for different meal options.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to adjust spice levels or add vegetables to cater to your family’s preferences.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather all necessary tools before getting started. Having the right equipment ensures that your Easy Bourbon Chicken turns out perfect every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pot: Provides ample space for browning the chicken without overcrowding, allowing for even cooking.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the cornstarch coating with spices before adding the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for best results in creating that flavorful bourbon sauce.

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: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with salt and pepper.
2. Add the diced chicken pieces and toss well to ensure they are completely coated.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces without stirring them immediately; allow them to brown on one side for about three minutes.
3. Turn each piece over and cook for an additional three minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
4. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about thirty seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in all remaining sauce ingredients—chicken broth through red pepper flakes—and stir well.
3. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low and return the chicken back into the sauce.
2. Let it simmer for approximately ten minutes until the sauce has reduced by half.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine an additional cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce and let it simmer another two minutes before removing from heat.

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

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice is the classic choice for serving Easy Bourbon Chicken. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.

With Fried Rice

• Pairing your bourbon chicken with fried rice adds texture and flavor. You can use leftover rice and stir-fry it with vegetables and eggs for a quick preparation.

On A Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for added taste and freshness.

With Noodles

• Tossed with lo mein or rice noodles, Easy Bourbon Chicken creates a delightful Asian-inspired dish. It’s perfect for those who prefer noodles over rice.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnishing your bourbon chicken with sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch. The vibrant color also enhances the presentation of the dish.

As Meal Prep Bowls

• Divide the bourbon chicken into meal prep containers along with your favorite sides. This makes it convenient for lunches throughout the week while keeping it delicious.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

Perfecting Easy Bourbon Chicken involves simple techniques that enhance its flavor and texture. Follow these tips to make this dish irresistible.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your sauce an authentic taste that dried versions can’t replicate.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches helps achieve that beautiful sear on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Taste as You Cook: Adjust seasoning as needed while cooking, especially if you prefer more spice or sweetness.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the bourbon chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking enhances its juiciness and flavor before serving.
• Experiment with Marinades: For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and spices before cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

When serving Easy Bourbon Chicken, consider these side dishes that complement its rich flavors perfectly. Each option pairs well, adding variety to your meal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides nutrients and balances the sweetness of the bourbon sauce.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side that pairs well with bourbon chicken’s rich glaze.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables stir-fried quickly adds freshness and crunch to your plate.
4. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meats make a delightful appetizer or side dish alongside bourbon chicken.
5. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in sesame oil offers refreshing contrast to the sticky sauce of bourbon chicken.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can serve as a healthy alternative, providing protein and fiber without overpowering flavors.
7. Coconut Rice: Coconut rice brings sweetness to balance out savory dishes like bourbon chicken, making it an excellent addition.
8. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with herbs and veggies are light yet flavorful, perfect for complementing this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Avoid these mistakes for a delicious result every time.

• Not coating the chicken properly: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in cornstarch to achieve a crispy texture. Toss it thoroughly before cooking.
• Crowding the pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
• Skipping the simmer step: Don’t rush through the simmering process. Letting the sauce reduce allows flavors to intensify and creates a sticky glaze.
• Using regular soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and enhance flavor without overpowering.
• Neglecting optional ingredients: Ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes can elevate your dish. Adjust spice levels according to your taste preference.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• • Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• • Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Bourbon Chicken.

What is Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, often served over rice.

Can I make this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! You can omit the bourbon and replace it with apple juice or extra chicken broth for a delicious kid-friendly version.

How do I spice up Easy Bourbon Chicken?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for more heat. Adjust according to your taste preference!

What sides go well with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or tofu as alternatives if you prefer different proteins.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any dinner table. Its sticky sweet sauce offers comfort and satisfaction that both kids and adults will love. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spices or adding vegetables. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become one of your favorites!