Try this easy Bourbon Chicken you can make at home.
introduction
This Bourbon Chicken is sweet, sticky, and quick to make. It uses common ingredients and cooks fast on the stove. If you like quick chicken dishes, try this 10-minute air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe for another easy meal.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast and tastes good.
- The sauce is sweet with a little tang from vinegar and bourbon.
- You can serve it over rice for a simple meal.
- It uses simple ingredients you may already have.
how to make Bourbon Chicken
Follow the steps below. Brown the chicken first, then add the sauce and thicken it. Stir so each piece gets a good coat of sauce. Serve over rice while hot.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together, then add to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Serve over cooked rice.
how to serve Bourbon Chicken
Serve the bourbon chicken hot over white or brown rice. Add steamed vegetables or a side salad for color. Garnish with chopped green onion or sesame seeds if you like.
how to store Bourbon Chicken
- Cool the chicken to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until hot.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Bourbon Chicken
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want less salt.
- Taste the sauce before adding cornstarch and adjust sugar or vinegar if needed.
- Do not boil after adding cornstarch; simmer until sauce thickens.
- If you prefer no alcohol, you can skip the bourbon or use a little chicken broth instead.
variation (if any)
- Add bell peppers or onions to the skillet for more vegetables.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for different sides.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs stay juicier and work well. Cut them into bite-size pieces.
Q: Can I skip the bourbon?
A: Yes. You can skip it or use chicken broth for flavor without alcohol.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Mix cornstarch with cold water first, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook a minute more until it thickens.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: The alcohol cooks off in the sauce, but if you prefer, leave the bourbon out for a fully alcohol-free dish.
Conclusion
This simple Bourbon Chicken is quick, tasty, and family friendly. For another tried version and extra tips, see this Bourbon Chicken Recipe – Food.com.
Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium for less salt.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon Can be omitted or replaced with chicken broth.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- to taste cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Cooking
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together, then add to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Serve over cooked rice.