Introduction
Embark on a culinary adventure with Easy Bourbon Chicken, a delightful dish that brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table without the need for complex cooking techniques. This recipe perfectly blends the smoky richness of bourbon with the succulence of chicken, complemented by a sauce that strikes an exquisite balance between sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests with your cooking prowess, this dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into making this tantalizing meal that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra, see notes for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium for less salt)
- ⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for less salt)
- ⅓ cup apple juice
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for spice level)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are well coated.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, ensuring each piece is browned and nearly cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer.
- Combining Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce has reduced by half and the chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
- If desired, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch-water mixture (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water), and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serving:
- Serve the Bourbon Chicken hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Easy Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that promises to bring a burst of deliciousness to your dinner table. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of flair to their weeknight meals. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dish and the joy of sharing it with family and friends.