Get a Taste of the South with Homemade Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich, caramelized sauce that gets its depth of flavor from bourbon, a type of American whiskey.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, as it comes together in under 30 minutes. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• For Serving:
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch. This will help create a crispy coating on the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t worry about the chicken being fully cooked through at this point, it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4. Whisk Up the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Chicken Choice: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but chicken breasts will work as well.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of red pepper flakes is optional. You can add more or less depending on your preference.
• Make it a Stir-Fry: Add your favorite vegetables to the pan along with the chicken to make a complete stir-fry meal. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are all great options.
• No Bourbon? No Problem! If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. The apple juice will still add a nice sweetness to the sauce.

With its sweet and savory flavors, bourbon chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try!