Bourbon Chicken: It’s Easier Than You Think! Here’s How To Prepare It Perfectly
What To Know
- 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.
- Add the bourbon sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Store bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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.