How to Make Delicious Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is both sweet and savory. It is easy to make and can be served over rice or with vegetables. This dish is named after the popular American whiskey called bourbon, which gives it its sweet and spicy flavor.

Making bourbon chicken at home is a great way to enjoy this delicious dish without spending money at a restaurant. The recipe is quite simple and requires only a few easy-to-find ingredients. So, whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you can easily make this mouthwatering dish at home. In this article, we will show you how to make bourbon chicken step by step.

Section: How to Make Bourbon Chicken

There’s nothing more satisfying than a delicious and flavorful meal that you made yourself, especially when it’s as popular and delicious as bourbon chicken. For those who are unfamiliar, bourbon chicken is a sweet and savory Chinese-American dish that’s named after its flavorful marinade made with bourbon whiskey. If you’re excited to try making it at home, these simple steps will guide you through the process.

Gather your ingredients

The first step in making bourbon chicken is to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and vegetable oil.

Marinate the chicken

In order to infuse the chicken with the rich and flavorful marinade, it’s important to marinate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Simply mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, then add the chicken and toss to coat.

Cook the chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on both sides.

Add the sauce

After the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is coated.

Serve and garnish

Once the chicken is cooked and coated in the delicious sauce, it’s time to serve it. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Variations

If you’d like to put a unique spin on your bourbon chicken recipe, there are several variations to try. You can add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the chicken. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Pairing suggestions

Bourbon chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including white rice, fried rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it with a refreshing side salad or a piece of crusty bread.

Leftover ideas

If you have any leftover bourbon chicken, don’t let it go to waste! You can use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or burritos. You can also chop it up and add it to your favorite fried rice recipe for a quick and flavorful meal.

Tips for success

To ensure that your bourbon chicken turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. Always use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they’re more flavorful and tender than other cuts. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop. And finally, don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as this can cause it to steam instead of brown.

Conclusion

With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making bourbon chicken at home has never been easier. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and taste the magic of bourbon chicken for yourself?

Section 2: Ingredients

1. Chicken

The main ingredient in bourbon chicken is chicken, after all! Typically, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are used because they are tender and juicy. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but it’s important to note that it may not turn out as flavorful. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes or thin slices, depending on your preference.

2. Brown Sugar

Bourbon chicken gets its sweet, sticky glaze from brown sugar. This ingredient is crucial to the flavor profile of the dish. Make sure to use brown sugar instead of white sugar because it has a richer flavor and helps caramelize the sauce.

3. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the primary source of salt in bourbon chicken. It adds depth of flavor and savory notes to the dish. Look for low-sodium soy sauce options if you are trying to watch your salt intake.

4. Bourbon

As the name suggests, bourbon chicken wouldn’t be complete without bourbon! This whiskey adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off during the cooking process, leaving behind a rich, flavorful sauce.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a popular ingredient in many savory dishes, and bourbon chicken is no exception. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma that complements the sweet and savory flavors in the sauce.

6. Ginger

Fresh ginger adds a subtle heat and brightness to bourbon chicken. Peel and grate the ginger before adding it to the sauce.

7. Vinegar

Vinegar adds tanginess to the sauce and helps balance out the sweetness. Look for rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the best flavor.

8. Red Pepper Flakes

If you like a little bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to your bourbon chicken. This ingredient adds a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.

9. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and create a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken. Mix it with water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce.

10. Oil

Finally, you’ll need some oil for cooking the chicken. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil that has a high smoke point. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.

Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken Recipe

When it comes to making Bourbon Chicken, there are a few key ingredients that you will need. Here are the main ingredients that will make your Bourbon Chicken taste irresistible:

Step-by-step Instructions for Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, ginger, and garlic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Then, in a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

In a wok or large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it until it’s cooked through and browned on the outside.

Step 4: Combine the chicken and sauce

Add the green onions to the skillet with the cooked chicken and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the onions are soft. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken and onions and stir everything together until the sauce coats the chicken completely.

Step 5: Serve the Bourbon Chicken

Once the Bourbon Chicken is ready, serve it hot with some white rice or noodles on the side. Enjoy your delicious homemade Bourbon Chicken!

Time to try it!

Now that you know how to make bourbon chicken, it’s time to give it a try and wow your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing your friends and family at a dinner party. Remember to gather all the ingredients beforehand and take your time preparing it. Thanks for reading our recipe, we hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as we do! Be sure to come back for more mouth-watering recipes in the future. Happy cooking!