How To Make Bourbon Chicken…without The Alcohol!

Bourbon chicken, a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine, is known for its sweet and savory sauce. However, for those who prefer to avoid alcohol or do not have bourbon on hand, it is possible to create a delicious bourbon chicken without using bourbon. This blog post will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to make bourbon chicken without bourbon.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and onion to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder.

5. Combine the Ingredients: Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and bring to a simmer.

6. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.

7. Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken without bourbon over rice or noodles.

Tips

• For a spicier flavor, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you do not have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• To make the sauce thicker, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until thickened.
• Serve the bourbon chicken without bourbon with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Variations

• Use Different Veggies: Instead of bell peppers and onion, try using other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
• Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add a cup of fresh or canned pineapple chunks to the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.

Key Points

Making bourbon chicken without bourbon is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. By following the steps and tips outlined in this post, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until thickened.

3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking.

4. How long can I store the bourbon chicken without bourbon?
Store the bourbon chicken without bourbon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I reheat the bourbon chicken without bourbon?
Yes, you can reheat the bourbon chicken without bourbon in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.