Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe brings the flavors of a restaurant right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The standout feature is the sticky sweet bourbon sauce that elevates simple chicken into an irresistible dish. Plus, there’s an option for a kid-friendly version that skips the bourbon!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice makes every bite memorable.
• Versatile Options: Serve over rice or noodles, or use it in wraps for a delicious meal on-the-go.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild yet tasty sauce, this dish caters well to both adults and kids alike.
• Make Ahead: This bourbon chicken can be prepared in advance and reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep!

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make this easy bourbon chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or pot: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken evenly and allows room for stirring the sauce.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the cornstarch with chicken and ensuring every piece is well-coated before cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance in your bourbon sauce.

Ingredients

This easy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken recipe is absolutely addicting, thanks to a sticky sweet Bourbon sauce with lots of flavor! Read the notes for a kid-friendly version without bourbon.

Ingredients:
– 3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
– 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra, see notes)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
– ⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
– ⅓ cup apple juice
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
– 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
2. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes.
3. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for another 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Make Sauce

1. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add all remaining sauce ingredients (chicken broth through red pepper flakes).
3. Stir well and bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low and return chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes until sauce is reduced by half.

Step 5: Optional Thickening Step

1. If desired, combine an additional cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce to thicken it further; let it simmer for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Enjoy your deliciously easy bourbon chicken served hot over steamed rice!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken can elevate your dinner experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Over Steamed Rice

• This classic option absorbs the sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

With Fried Rice

• A colorful fried rice complements the chicken and adds texture and crunch.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Lo mein or rice noodles provide a delightful base, soaking up the bourbon sauce perfectly.

Topped with Green Onions

• Freshly chopped green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor to your dish.

Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots bring a healthy balance to the richness of the chicken.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is great for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

Getting the perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken involves a few simple techniques that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality bourbon make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with cold water as needed.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning like salt or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce helps it absorb all those tasty flavors.
• Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs or nuts can add interesting textures and flavors as toppings.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Bourbon Chicken can create a rounded meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fried Rice
   A savory blend of vegetables and rice, fried until crispy.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli offers a fresh crunch and vibrant color.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the rich sauce beautifully.

4. Asian Slaw
   A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch.

5. Quinoa Salad
   Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables provides a healthy grain alternative.

6. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies make for a fun finger food option alongside the chicken.

7. Cucumber Salad
   Crisp cucumbers dressed in vinegar offer a cooling contrast to the warm chicken.

8. Sweet Potato Fries
   Baked sweet potato fries add sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can take away from the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for better results.
• Skipping the Cornstarch Coating: Neglecting to coat the chicken with cornstarch can result in a sauce that doesn’t adhere well. Make sure each piece is well-coated for a delicious glaze.
• Ignoring Sauce Reductions: Not allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce can lead to a watery dish. Take your time to let it thicken for maximum flavor.
• Using Regular Soy Sauce: Using regular soy sauce can make your dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium varieties if you prefer a milder taste.
• Forgetting Optional Ingredients: Leaving out ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes can reduce the complexity of flavors. Customize to your taste by adding these optional spices.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easy Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Bourbon Chicken that might help enhance your cooking experience:

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with extra apple juice or chicken broth for a kid-friendly version without alcohol.

What should I serve with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.

How do I adjust the spice level in Easy Bourbon Chicken?

You can increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with pork or tofu as alternatives if you want to switch things up.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it over rice or adapting it for kids, this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving. Give it a try and see how amazing it can be!