Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Bourbon chicken is a dish named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, and not the bourbon whiskey used in its preparation.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon whiskey (if using), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir well. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.