If you’re looking for a dish that’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, this Bourbon Chicken recipe is exactly what you need! Inspired by mall food court flavors, this delicious chicken dish is coated in a mouth-watering bourbon-infused sauce that’s sticky, tangy, and just a little bit boozy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

In our household, Friday nights are reserved for takeout-style dinners, but instead of ordering out, I love to whip up this Bourbon Chicken recipe! My husband had his doubts the first time I tried making it, but after one bite, he was hooked. Now, it’s become a go-to comfort meal that we all look forward to. The kids can’t get enough of the sweet and sticky sauce, and I love how easy it is to prepare. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills the kitchen while it cooks is absolutely irresistible!

Why You’ll Love Bourbon Chicken

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and bourbon creates an incredibly flavorful sauce.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its rich and sticky glaze.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your family’s taste.

Ingredients Notes for Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for a juicy and tender result. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut.
• Bourbon: Adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, making it family-friendly.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Provides the sweetness and caramelized glaze that makes this dish so delicious.
• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.

Recipe Steps for Bourbon Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Flavor: Pour in 1/4 cup of bourbon, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until it starts to thicken.
6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken pieces.
7. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for some heat.
• No Bourbon?: Substitute apple juice for a similar sweetness without the alcohol.

Bourbon Chicken

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Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory bourbon glaze, creating a flavorful dish with a hint of warmth and spice.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Serving Size 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper.
• Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice.

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