Delicious Bourbon Chicken served with rice and vegetables

Bourbon Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Bourbon Chicken is a delicious dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The bourbon adds a unique taste, while the chicken is tender and juicy. Plus, serving it over rice makes it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great way to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

how to make Bourbon Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut in 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ¼ cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice)
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

  1. Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a medium bowl.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring until browned. Then transfer the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  3. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook and stir until they are softened and fragrant, about 1 to 3 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, and crushed red pepper.
  5. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet; cook and stir until it thickens and bubbles.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cook and stir until it’s coated in the sauce and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  7. Serve the bourbon chicken over the cooked rice and top with sliced green onions.

how to serve Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is best served hot over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making each bite tasty. You can also add more sliced green onions on top for a bit of color and crunch. A side of steamed vegetables would make this meal even better!

how to store Bourbon Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove until it’s warm. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Bourbon Chicken

  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the soy sauce and cornstarch for about 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper according to your spice preference.
  • Use apple juice instead of bourbon for a kid-friendly version that still tastes great.

variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for added nutrition and color. Just toss them in when you add the onion, garlic, and ginger for them to cook through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless boneless chicken breasts. Just remember that they may cook a little faster than thighs.

2. What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, apple juice, or even white grape juice work well as substitutes.

3. How spicy is Bourbon Chicken?
The spice level can vary depending on how much crushed red pepper you use. If you want it milder, you can skip the red pepper altogether.