Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is a delicious dish that marries tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce made from bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners, Bourbon Chicken is sure to impress your family and guests with its delightful taste and aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of Bourbon Chicken (approximately 1 cup) contains around 300 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. This is based on one person’s serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring to thicken the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative for a similar flavor profile. Additionally, chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breast for a leaner option.
Serving and Pairings
Bourbon Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This dish can also be frozen; just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness.
- Not allowing the sauce to simmer may result in a less flavorful dish.
- Using too much cornstarch can make the sauce overly thick.
- Neglecting to season the chicken before cooking can lead to blandness.
- Using low-quality bourbon can affect the flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning.
- Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Pair with a side of fresh vegetables for added nutrition.
FAQs
What is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken is a dish that features chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made primarily from bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It’s popular in Chinese-American cuisine.
Can I make Bourbon Chicken in advance?
Yes, Bourbon Chicken can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.
Is Bourbon Chicken spicy?
No, Bourbon Chicken is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor.
What sides go well with Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken pairs well with rice, vegetables, or a simple salad. Steamed rice is the most common accompaniment.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs in this recipe.
Conclusion
Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of bourbon and soy sauce with tender chicken. Easy to prepare and delicious, it makes for a perfect weeknight meal that your family will love. Give this recipe a try for a satisfying culinary experience!
Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring to thicken the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
