Bourbon chicken is a deliciously popular dish known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Often enjoyed in food courts, this dish is easy to recreate in your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through a homemade bourbon chicken recipe, complete with ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, nutrition information, and helpful tips from the community. Get ready to bring this flavorful favorite right to your table!
Why You’ll Love Bourbon Chicken
- Flavorful: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet, and sticky sauce that coats tender pieces of chicken perfectly.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs | 2 ½ lbs | Thighs are juicier than breasts |
| Minced Garlic | 4 cloves | Fresh garlic adds flavor |
| Chopped Ginger | 1 teaspoon | Adds warmth to the sauce |
| Low Sodium Soy Sauce | ⅓ cup | Reduces sodium content |
| Bourbon | 2 tablespoons | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Balances the sweetness |
| Hoisin Sauce | 2 ½ tablespoons | Adds umami flavor |
| Light Brown Sugar | ⅓ cup | Sweetens the sauce |
| Granulated Sugar | ¼ cup | Enhances sweetness |
| Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon | Adds nuttiness |
| Water | 1 cup | To thin the sauce |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Adds spice |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon | Complements fresh garlic |
| Canola Oil | For searing | High smoke point |
| Cornstarch Slurry | ||
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | Thickens the sauce |
| Cold Water | 2 tablespoons | To mix with cornstarch |
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your bourbon chicken at home:
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat Dry: Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Season: In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs with a little canola oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the hot pan. Sear for about 8-10 minutes on each side until they are nicely charred.
- Rest and Chop: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, chop it into bite-sized chunks.
Make the Sauce
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more canola oil if needed. Then add the minced garlic and chopped ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sesame oil, and water until well combined.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add Sauce to the Pan: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and ginger. Stir well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce and continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Return Chicken to the Sauce: Add the chopped chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the sauce.
Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your bourbon chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Bourbon Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts
Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 25g |
Bourbon Chicken Recipe Reviews
User Feedback
- Maria C.: “This recipe is spot on! Tastes just like the food court but better!”
- John D.: “I used chicken breasts and it was still juicy. Will make again!”
- Laura S.: “The sauce is delicious! I can’t stop eating it with rice.”
Bourbon Chicken Recipe Community Tips and Praise
- Use Thighs for Tenderness: Most cooks agree that using chicken thighs will yield a juicier and more flavorful dish than breasts.
- Cooking Method: For a crispy texture, make sure to pat the chicken dry before searing and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to tweak the sweetness level by adjusting the brown sugar and granulated sugar to your liking.
Bourbon Chicken Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.
What can I serve with bourbon chicken?
This dish is traditionally served over rice or noodles, but it pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze bourbon chicken?
Yes, you can freeze bourbon chicken. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Bourbon chicken is an easy-to-make dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy the taste of your favorite food court dish in the comfort of your home. Try this bourbon chicken recipe today and savor every bite!
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes, and don’t forget to share your results and tips with the community!
