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Easy Bourbon Chicken in the Instant Pot

Easy Bourbon Chicken in the Instant Pot

Sweet, savory, and a little smoky, this Instant Pot bourbon chicken turns out tender bites in a glossy sauce fast. Perfect over rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
  • 0.75 cup diced onion
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 fl oz bourbon
  • 0.33 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1.5 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes use less for mild
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
  • 2 tbsp water to make slurry
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp sliced green onions for garnish
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Trim and cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces; season with black pepper.
  • Whisk soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, broth, vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a bowl.
  • Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add oil and cook onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add chicken and stir for 2 minutes to lightly sear the edges.
  • Pour in the sauce and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Cancel Sauté. Lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes.
  • Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release the rest.
  • Stir cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry.
  • Turn Sauté back on. Stir in the slurry and simmer, stirring, until the sauce is glossy and thick, 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce with the red pepper flakes. Prefer chicken breast? Use 2 lb diced breasts and reduce pressure cook time to 5 minutes. Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen; reheat gently so the sauce stays silky.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Bourbon Chicken in the Instant Pot flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.