Description
Succulent bourbon chicken delivers a tantalizing fusion of Southern comfort and Asian-inspired flavors, dancing between sweet and savory notes. Tender meat glazed with rich bourbon sauce promises a memorable meal that invites you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 lb chicken breasts
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Aromatics and Spices:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming excess fat and cutting into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Mince garlic and ginger, creating a fragrant base for the marinade that will infuse deep flavor into the meat.
- Whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup in a large mixing bowl to create a complex, tangy sauce.
- Incorporate minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the liquid mixture, blending all aromatics thoroughly.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each chunk is completely coated. Allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature, letting flavors penetrate the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, indicating optimal cooking temperature.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid for later use. Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot skillet, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
- Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring even caramelization.
- Dissolve cornstarch in the reserved marinade, creating a thickening agent that will transform the sauce into a glossy glaze.
- Pour the cornstarch-enhanced marinade over the seared chicken, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce for 8-10 minutes.
- Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, with meat appearing opaque and juices running clear.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a pop of color and fresh, sharp flavor to the finished dish.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side, drizzling any remaining glossy sauce from the skillet.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense taste profile.
- Balance spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making it milder for sensitive palates or adding more for heat lovers.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the rich umami essence.
- Enhance protein alternatives by replacing chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based meat for diverse dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-16 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg