Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a sticky sweet sauce that packs a punch of flavor, it’s sure to be a family favorite. This dish beautifully balances sweetness and a hint of spice, making it suitable for both adults and kids alike. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in just 35 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The bourbon sauce is sticky and sweet, offering layers of flavor that will impress your guests.
• Kid-Friendly Adaptation: Easily adjustable for younger palates by omitting the bourbon.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a delicious dish that rivals your favorite takeout without leaving your house.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pot: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly and allowing space for the sauce to simmer.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the cornstarch with seasonings to coat the chicken properly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This easy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken recipe is absolutely addicting, thanks to a sticky sweet Bourbon sauce with lots of flavor! Read the notes for a kid-friendly version without bourbon.

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)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)

For the Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
• ⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
• ⅓ cup apple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
• 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces:
1. Cook on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes.
2. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
3. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Make Sauce

Add minced garlic to the same skillet:
1. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add remaining sauce ingredients (chicken broth through red pepper flakes).
3. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Reduce heat to low:
1. Add browned chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes until sauce reduces by half.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

If you prefer thicker sauce:
1. Combine ½ – 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce.
3. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Enjoy your Easy Bourbon Chicken hot over steamed rice!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences.

Over Steamed Rice

• This classic pairing allows the sticky sauce to soak into the rice, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

With Vegetables

• Serve bourbon chicken alongside sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a colorful and nutritious plate.

In Tacos

• For a fun twist, shred the bourbon chicken and serve it in soft tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and lime.

On a Salad

• Create a hearty salad by placing sliced bourbon chicken over mixed greens, adding nuts, and drizzling with a light dressing.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

To ensure your bourbon chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality soy sauce enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar or substitute it with a lower-sugar alternative.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps develop richer flavors while thickening beautifully.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning and spices according to your preference for an optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken shines when served with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A savory fried rice adds texture and flavor, absorbing the delicious bourbon sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli balances out the sweetness of bourbon chicken perfectly.
3. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a great vessel for scooping up extra sauce.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with the tender chicken.
5. Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes offer sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the dish.
6. Quinoa: For a healthy option, serve bourbon chicken over quinoa for added protein and nutrients.
7. Asian Noodles: Tossed with sesame oil and green onions, noodles are another delightful way to enjoy this dish.
8. Cucumber Salad: Lightly seasoned cucumber salad offers freshness that complements the rich flavors of bourbon chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to a less tender and flavorful result. Always toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch before cooking.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets evenly browned.

• Ignoring the simmering time: Rushing the simmering process can prevent the sauce from thickening properly. Allow it to simmer until reduced for a richer flavor.

• Using regular soy sauce: Regular soy sauce can make your dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness.

• Not adjusting sweetness: Each brand of ketchup has different levels of sweetness. Taste and adjust the brown sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Will keep well for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Add to a skillet over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delicious dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners!

Can I make this recipe without bourbon?

Yes! You can substitute bourbon with additional apple juice or omit it entirely for a kid-friendly version of Easy Bourbon Chicken.

What should I serve with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, vegetables, or even noodles. You can customize your sides based on your preferences!

How do I store leftovers of Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can also use shrimp or pork as alternative proteins. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Its sticky sweet sauce makes it irresistible, while you have options to customize it according to your family’s tastes. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s sure to be a hit! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or spice levels to make this dish truly yours!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Bourbon Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately six servings 1x

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Description

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful, quick-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sticky, sweet bourbon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe offers a balance of flavors that will appeal to both adults and kids. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can impress your family or guests without the hassle of complicated cooking. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal that rivals your favorite takeout!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ⅔ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup apple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup bourbon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• For garnish: fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss chicken pieces to coat evenly.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the coated chicken for about 6 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon (if using), vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce; simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (about 150g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg