Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, sticky bourbon sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily adjust the bourbon content or swap in different ingredients to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The sticky bourbon sauce combines sweet and savory elements, making every bite irresistible.
• Kid-Friendly Options: There’s a version without bourbon that keeps all the flavor while being safe for younger diners.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in wraps for an easy meal variety.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or Pot
• Medium Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Wooden Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or Pot: A large skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and proper mixing of the sauce.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing cornstarch with seasonings, ensuring even coating on the chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving that rich 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 each piece.

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 3 minutes.
3. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned.
4. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

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

Step 4: Simmer Together

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

Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)

1. Combine ½ – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir into the sauce to thicken it further.
3. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Serve your delicious Easy Bourbon Chicken hot over steamed rice or enjoy however you prefer!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice is the classic choice, soaking up the delicious bourbon sauce perfectly.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds nutrition and crunch to your plate.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Serve the chicken over lo mein or rice noodles for a delightful twist that enhances the flavors of the sauce.

With a Side Salad

• A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the bourbon chicken nicely.

Topped with Green Onions

• Sliced green onions add a fresh touch and extra flavor when sprinkled on top just before serving.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun, interactive meal, serve bourbon chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for easy hand-held bites.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

For achieving restaurant-quality Easy Bourbon Chicken at home, consider these simple tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality bourbon to enhance flavor.
• Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the chicken adds depth; ensure it’s cooked just enough to get a nice color.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
• Add Spice Gradually: If you like heat, start with crushed red pepper flakes and adjust according to taste.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the dish to simmer helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Thicken Wisely: Use cornstarch mixed with cold water for a quick sauce thickener if you prefer a more substantial glaze.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Pairing sides with your Easy Bourbon Chicken can take your meal from good to great. Here are some fantastic side dishes that balance out its rich flavors.

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice with vegetables complements the sweetness of the bourbon sauce beautifully.

2. Garlic Bread
   The buttery garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

3. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the chicken dish.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A nutritious quinoa salad loaded with veggies makes for a healthy and filling side option.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Caramelized Brussels sprouts add earthiness and pair well with sweet flavors.

6. Coconut Rice
   Coconut-infused rice offers a subtle sweetness that matches nicely with bourbon chicken’s flavor profile.

7. Vegetable Spring Rolls
   Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies provide an excellent appetizer or side alongside this dish.

8. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and absorb all those delightful sauces from the chicken!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter common pitfalls when making this dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken.

• Overcrowding the pan: This can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of key components can alter the flavor significantly. Use measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the cornstarch coating: This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated before cooking.
• Ignoring the simmer time: The sauce needs time to reduce and develop flavor. Be patient and allow it to simmer until it’s thickened.
• Using high-sodium soy sauce: This can make the dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Bourbon Chicken that might help you perfect your dish.

What is Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delicious stir-fry dish made with tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Can I make this dish without bourbon?

Yes! You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or omit it completely for a kid-friendly version that still tastes great.

What should I serve with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles. Feel free to add your favorite sides!

How do I customize my Easy Bourbon Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition, or adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes!

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is not only incredibly flavorful but also versatile enough to suit any palate. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences, making it easy to adjust for kids or spice lovers alike. Enjoy this delightful recipe any night of the week!