Bourbon Chicken is a beloved dish found in many Chinese-American restaurants and mall food courts. Its unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors makes it an instant favorite. This dish gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not from the whiskey, although a splash of bourbon does add a delightful depth to the sauce. This recipe will guide you through making Bourbon Chicken at home, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors anytime you crave them.
Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken
- Chicken:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Bourbon Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté garlic and ginger: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon whiskey, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the chicken back to the skillet: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken
Chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during cooking. However, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. The key is to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskey adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish. It imparts a slightly sweet, smoky note that complements the other ingredients. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian-inspired dishes, providing a savory umami flavor. It’s essential to use a good-quality soy sauce for the best results.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the savory and tangy elements of the sauce. It also contributes to the rich caramelization of the chicken when cooked.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy note that brightens the dish. It also helps to tenderize the chicken during marination.
Ginger and Garlic
Fresh ginger and garlic are key flavor components in this dish. They add a spicy, aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that coats the chicken beautifully.
This Bourbon Chicken recipe is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout dish into your home kitchen. With its sweet and savory sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious meal!
