How to Make the Perfect Bourbon Chicken
Southern American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Tender chunks of chicken simmered in a rich bourbon-spiked sweet and savory sauce. This Southern-inspired dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser over fluffy white rice.
Why this recipe works
This Bourbon Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 460 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup bourbon
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in bourbon and let it cook down for one minute. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, and ginger powder. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to medium and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour into the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot over steamed white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- bourbon → apple cider for a non-alcoholic version
- chicken thighs → chicken breast
- brown sugar → honey
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using too much bourbon without letting it cook down which leaves a harsh alcohol taste
- Skipping the sear step and missing out on deep caramelized flavor
- Adding the cornstarch slurry before the sauce has simmered which causes lumps
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 460 calories, 36g protein, 32g carbs, 14g fat, 1g fiber.
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