Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, bourbon-infused sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, served over rice and topped with fresh green onions for a bit of crunch and color. The recipe involves tossing chicken pieces with cornstarch, browning them in olive oil, and then creating a sauce with soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, and crushed red pepper. The chicken is then returned to the skillet to coat in the thickened sauce. This savory and slightly sweet dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, bourbon-infused sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, served over rice and topped with fresh green onions for a bit of crunch and color.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken Thighs: 1 ½ pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. These provide a juicy and tender base for the dish.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, divided. Used to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided. For sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- Onion: ¼ cup, minced. Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Provides a pungent, savory note.
- Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated. Adds a warm, spicy undertone.
- Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce. Contributes to the savory umami flavor.
- Chicken Broth: 1/3 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth. Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.
- Bourbon (or Apple Juice): 1/4 cup. Adds a rich, distinctive flavor to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons, packed. Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Provides acidity to balance the flavors.
- Crushed Red Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a hint of heat.
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups. Serves as the base for the dish.
- Green Onions: 2, sliced. For garnish, adding freshness and a bit of crunch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Gather Ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. This helps streamline the cooking process.
- Step 2:
- Toss Chicken with Cornstarch: In a medium bowl, toss the 1 ½ pounds of chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help to create a crispy exterior when the chicken is cooked.
- Step 3:
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until they are browned on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4:
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook and stir for 1 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Step 6:
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Cook and stir until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
- Step 7:
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the chicken is coated in the sauce and heated through.
- Step 8:
- Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice. Top with sliced green onions for garnish and extra flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, savory chicken.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the Bourbon Chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- You can substitute apple juice for bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a bit more.
- Using fresh ginger gives a more vibrant flavor compared to ground ginger. However, ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests marinating the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking for even more flavor.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using high-quality, organic chicken thighs for the best taste and texture.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises cooking the chicken over medium-high heat to ensure it browns nicely without overcooking.