Description
Succulent bourbon chicken delivers a mouthwatering Southern-style dance of sweet and savory flavors that instantly transport diners to a cozy kitchen. Perfectly glazed tender meat promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) bourbon
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple juice
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sear chicken pieces in a preheated skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Deglaze the same skillet with a vibrant mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to reduce and concentrate flavors for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth, then gradually pour into the simmering sauce to enhance thickness and glossiness.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken into the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the rich, caramelized bourbon sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce clings perfectly to the chicken and reaches a sticky, luxurious consistency.
- Elevate the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating red pepper flakes for sensitive palates, ensuring a milder flavor profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the recipe’s rich taste.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for a vegetarian twist, marinating the protein beforehand to enhance absorption of bourbon sauce flavors.
- Prep ingredients in advance and store sauce separately to streamline cooking process, allowing for quick weeknight meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg