Bourbon Chicken

Introduction

Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by the vibrant flavors of New Orleans. It features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce, balanced with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of ginger. The dish is rich in flavor, slightly sticky, and perfect served over steamed rice.

This recipe brings the taste of a restaurant classic to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods. Bourbon Chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors makes each bite irresistible. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating every piece of chicken, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.

Additionally, it’s versatile and easy to make. You can adjust the sweetness, heat, or bourbon level according to your taste. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weekday meal but impressive enough for a special occasion.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rich flavor profile: Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky.
• Restaurant-style at home: Mimics the popular takeout dish.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~350–400 calories per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Cajun-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (or substitute with chicken broth for alcohol-free version)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
3. Mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper.
4. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

• Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Pat dry with paper towels to help with browning.

Step 2: Brown Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
• Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make Bourbon Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Cook Chicken in Sauce

• Return browned chicken to the skillet.
• Pour sauce over chicken and bring to a simmer.
• Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

• Stir cornstarch mixed with water into the skillet.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce reaches desired thickness.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
• Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

How to Serve

• Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra visual appeal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing brown sugar.
• For a spicier version, add more crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to prevent burning.

Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute bourbon with chicken broth.
• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
• Vegetable Bourbon Chicken: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during simmering.
• Honey Bourbon Chicken: Replace some of the brown sugar with honey for a richer sweetness.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown chicken first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Conclusion

Bourbon Chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky dish that brings the flavors of New Orleans to your home kitchen. With tender chicken, a rich bourbon-soy sauce, and simple preparation, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavor-packed, comforting meals that are quick to prepare, customizable, and always satisfying. Serve over rice or noodles, and enjoy a restaurant-style dish right at home!