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Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

A savory and slightly sweet Bourbon Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful bourbon-soy sauce glaze with garlic and spices, garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for a quick and delicious 20-minute meal served over rice.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil (plus 2 additional tablespoons for cooking)

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish

  • 3 green onions, chopped thinly

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into half-inch thick strips, then further cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss them thoroughly with cornstarch so each piece is evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add half the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to allow the chicken to crisp on one side, then flip and cook the other side until cooked through and nicely browned. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces, adding more oil if needed. Transfer all cooked chicken to a plate.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Add approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly while cooking for less than a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Make the sauce and finish cooking: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Use a wooden spoon to scrape and deglaze the pan, loosening any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for about one minute, then add the chicken back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened and reduced by approximately half, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately, ideally over freshly cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs will yield juicier and more flavorful results, but breasts work well too.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
  • If a thicker sauce is desired, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) during the simmering step.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or additional chicken broth with a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Serve this dish over steamed white or brown rice, or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/bourbon-chicken-recipe/