Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of a restaurant right into your home. With its sweet and sticky bourbon sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich, savory-sweet flavor that is truly addictive.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Kid-Friendly Option: You can easily adapt the recipe to be kid-friendly by omitting the bourbon without sacrificing flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches during the week.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pot: Provides ample space for browning the chicken without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients and coating the chicken evenly with cornstarch.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in ingredient quantities for consistent flavor every time you make this easy bourbon chicken.

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 the cornstarch with salt and pepper.
2. Add the diced chicken to the bowl and toss well to ensure each piece is fully 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 for about three minutes.
3. Flip each piece and cook for an additional three minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

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

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

1. Reduce heat to low and return the browned chicken to the skillet.
2. Let it simmer for about ten minutes until the sauce reduces by half. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

1. For a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir this mixture into your sauce; let it simmer another two minutes before removing from heat.

Enjoy your deliciously easy Bourbon Chicken!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit any occasion. The sticky sweet sauce pairs well with various side dishes, allowing you to create a meal that everyone will enjoy.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve your bourbon chicken over fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing that will soak up the delicious sauce.

With Fried Rice

• For an extra flavor boost, serve the chicken alongside flavorful fried rice, which complements the dish perfectly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the bourbon chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a light and fresh serving option that’s great for appetizers or snacks.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Pair the chicken with lo mein or rice noodles tossed in soy sauce for a satisfying meal that adds texture.

As a Sandwich

• Transform your bourbon chicken into a sandwich by placing it between two slices of bread or in a bun, topped with coleslaw for crunch.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Add some color and nutrition by serving bourbon chicken with steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables on the side.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

To make your Easy Bourbon Chicken truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips. These suggestions will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality soy sauce will elevate the flavor of your dish, making it taste more authentic.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches prevents steaming and ensures even browning, giving it that desired texture.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce helps infuse flavors deeply, resulting in tastier bites.
• Thicken Sauce as Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water for a smooth consistency that clings well to the chicken.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Top your dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Pairing your Easy Bourbon Chicken with complementary sides enhances its flavors and rounds out the meal beautifully. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice that serves as a perfect base for soaking up extra sauce.
2. Vegetable Fried Rice: A colorful mix of veggies and rice that adds texture and flavor to your meal.
3. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic bring balance to the richness of bourbon chicken.
4. Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy bites make excellent finger food alongside your main dish for added fun.
5. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunch and contrasts beautifully with sweet sauce.
6. Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles tossed lightly in soy sauce complement the bourbon flavors while adding heartiness.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet side that pairs well with savory chicken, offering an appealing texture contrast.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup makes an excellent starter alongside your bourbon chicken meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking easy Bourbon chicken can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less flavorful and less textured dish. Always toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch for that perfect crispiness.

• Crowding the pan: Placing too many pieces of chicken in the skillet at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a nice sear.

• Ignoring sauce reduction: Failing to let the sauce simmer long enough will result in a runny consistency. Allow it to reduce properly for that sticky, sweet glaze.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough and dry. Remember, only brown it first and let it finish cooking in the sauce.

• Not adjusting flavors: Every palate is different; neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your dish flat. Always sample and tweak as needed for your family’s preferences.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Easy Bourbon Chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making easy Bourbon chicken:

What is Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delicious, sticky-sweet dish made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a flavorful bourbon sauce. It captures restaurant-quality taste right at home!

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Yes! For a kid-friendly version, simply substitute bourbon with extra apple juice or additional soy sauce for flavor without alcohol.

How do I serve Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This dish is best served hot over steamed rice. You can also accompany it with stir-fried veggies or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! If you like some heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to suit your taste.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Bourbon Chicken?

The total time is approximately 35 minutes from prep to serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is not just a flavorful dish; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful tastes that will surely impress your family!