Description
Bourbon Chicken is a beloved dish originating from Chinese cuisine. This recipe offers tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful glaze that balances sweet and savory notes. It’s a quick and simple meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions, sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until well mixed.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Allow it to marinate for 15-20 minutes for better flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces, reserving the marinade for later. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the reserved marinade.
- Pour the marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more soy sauce or brown sugar if preferred.
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon for a milder taste.
- Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for extra heat.
- Serve immediately for maximum flavor.
- Consider adding bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli during cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
- A slow cooker version can be made by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: N/A