Bourbon Chicken | Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors combined with tender and juicy chicken, get ready to discover the magic of Bourbon Chicken! This recipe will teach you how to make this irresistible dish that's sure to become a favorite at home.

Why You'll Love This Flavorful Chicken Recipe

• Delicious Flavor. Bourbon Chicken is known for its rich, sweet, and savory flavor profile that's simply addictive.
• Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken at home.
• Family Favorite. This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it a perfect family meal.
• Versatile. Bourbon Chicken can be served with various sides, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish that originated in the southern United States. It's famous for its delectable combination of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of bourbon adding a unique touch. The sauce is the star of the show, and it's what gives this dish its incredible taste.

Why Is It Called Bourbon Chicken?

In this recipe for Bourbon Chicken, the bourbon whiskey is used to create a flavorful sauce that adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish.

While the alcohol in the bourbon evaporates during cooking, it leaves behind its distinct taste, which is both sweet and slightly woody. This bourbon-infused sauce is then used to coat the chicken pieces, giving the dish its name.

What Does Bourbon Chicken Taste Like?

Bourbon Chicken has a distinctive and delicious taste. It's known for its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor profile. Here's a breakdown of its taste:

• Sweetness. Bourbon Chicken gets its sweetness primarily from ingredients like brown sugar and, of course, bourbon whiskey. The sugar caramelizes during cooking, creating a sweet and slightly sticky glaze.
• Savory. Alongside the sweetness, there is a strong umami flavor from ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The combination of sweet and savory elements creates a well-balanced and flavorful sauce.
• Slight Smokiness. Bourbon whiskey contributes a subtle smokiness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This smokiness comes from the charred oak barrels in which bourbon is aged.
• A Hint of Spice. The addition of red pepper flakes provides a touch of heat to balance the sweetness, but you can adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference.

Is Bourbon Chicken The Same As Teriyaki Chicken?

While Bourbon Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken share some similarities, such as cooking chicken in a flavorful sauce, they have distinct flavor profiles and are associated with different culinary traditions.

Bourbon Chicken is known for its sweetness and bourbon whiskey influence, while Teriyaki Chicken has a sweet and savory flavor with traditional Japanese ingredients.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chicken- The chicken is the star of the dish. Cook it until browned and tender, then coated in the flavorful bourbon sauce.
• Olive Oil- Used for cooking the chicken. It helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.
• Bourbon- This provides the signature bourbon flavor to the dish. Simmer it to cook off the alcohol and infuse the sauce with its rich taste.
• Brown Sugar- Adds sweetness to the sauce, balancing the savory flavors of the soy sauce and bourbon.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce- Provides a savory, salty, and umami flavor to the dish.
• Garlic- Garlic adds a fragrant and savory element to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Ginger- Ginger contributes a subtle spicy and aromatic note to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Red Pepper Flakes- These are optional but can be added to give the dish a hint of spiciness. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
• Water- Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry, water is used to thicken the sauce.
• Cornstarch- Combined with water, cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Green Onions- Sliced green onions are added as a fresh and colorful garnish.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the well-balanced and flavorful Bourbon Chicken dish, making it a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements.

How To Make Bourbon Chicken

1. Prep Your Ingredients. Begin by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. This includes measuring out the bourbon, mincing the garlic, and slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate the Chicken. In a bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Place the chicken pieces in a Ziploc bag or a container with a lid and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Sauté the Chicken. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it get hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and add it to the hot skillet. Sauté the chicken until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce. In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and cornstarch. Stir well and let it simmer until it thickens into a glossy sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Vegetables. Toss in the bell peppers and green onions. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender yet still crisp.
6. Finish and Serve. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to heat everything through. Serve your Bourbon Chicken over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious Bourbon Chicken:

• Use High-Quality Bourbon. Choose a good-quality bourbon whiskey for your recipe. The flavor of the bourbon will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish, so opt for one you enjoy drinking.
• Marinate the Chicken. Marinating the chicken pieces in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the refrigerator) allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Cut Chicken Evenly. When cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This will prevent some pieces from overcooking while others are undercooked.
• Don't Overcook the Chicken. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry. Cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, and then simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to finish cooking and absorb flavors.

Variations

Bourbon Chicken is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Spicy- Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Pineapple- Toss in pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
• Healthy- Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs and reduce the sugar for a healthier version.
• Vegetarian Bourbon "Chicken"- Replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite meat substitute.

What To Serve With Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some options to complement the flavors:

• Steamed White Rice- A classic choice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fried Rice- Create a meal by serving Bourbon Chicken over homemade or takeout-style fried rice.
• Vegetables- Steamed broccoli, sautéed asparagus, or a mixed stir-fry make great sides.
• Salad- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.

How Long Does It Last?

Bourbon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Bourbon Chicken! Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave or on your stovetop.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Keto Chicken Enchiladas
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Keto Chicken Tenders
• Salsa Chicken

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