Bourbon Chicken: It’s Easier Than You Think! Here’s How To Prepare It Perfectly

Bourbon chicken, a tantalizing dish that combines the sweet notes of bourbon with the savory flavors of chicken, is a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers worldwide. Preparing this delectable dish may seem intimidating, but with our comprehensive guide, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality bourbon chicken in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Create the Bourbon Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, chicken broth, and garlic.

3. Pan-Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• Add the bourbon sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the bourbon chicken from the heat and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken:

• Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute whiskey or rum.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become tough.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a colorful presentation.

Bourbon Chicken Variations:

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili powder to the sauce.
• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple to the sauce.
• Teriyaki Bourbon Chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce.
• Orange Bourbon Chicken: Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice and add a teaspoon of orange zest.
• Honey Garlic Bourbon Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.

Bourbon Chicken Sauce:

The secret to delicious bourbon chicken lies in the sauce. Here’s a quick recipe for a mouthwatering bourbon sauce:

• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Bourbon Chicken with Rice:

Bourbon chicken is a perfect pairing for rice. Here’s how to make a simple yet flavorful rice dish:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Bourbon Chicken FAQ:

1. What sides go well with bourbon chicken?

• Rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.

2. Can I use frozen chicken for bourbon chicken?

• Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking.

3. How do I store bourbon chicken?

• Store bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I reheat bourbon chicken?

• Yes, reheat bourbon chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Is bourbon chicken spicy?

• Traditional bourbon chicken is not spicy, but you can add chili powder or Sriracha for a kick.

6. What is a good substitute for bourbon in bourbon chicken?

• Whiskey or rum.

7. Can I make bourbon chicken in a slow cooker?

• Yes, cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours, or until cooked through.

8. What is the difference between bourbon chicken and orange chicken?

• Bourbon chicken uses bourbon in the sauce, while orange chicken uses orange juice and orange zest.

9. Can I use dark meat chicken for bourbon chicken?

• Yes, but it will take longer to cook.

10. How do I thicken bourbon chicken sauce?

• Add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce and cook until thickened.