Easy Bourbon Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is a favorite in my home because it perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Picture this: tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sauce that makes your taste buds dance with joy. It’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up something that feels special without breaking a sweat. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this meal is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: The sweet and savory flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Versatile: Pair it with rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the sauce in advance for even quicker cooking on busy nights.
• Delicious leftovers: Enjoy the flavors even more the next day as they meld together beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything complicated for this recipe—just some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (you can also use chicken breasts)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

For the Sauce

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

For Garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds, optional
• Sliced green onions, optional

To Serve

• Cooked rice, for serving

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Bourbon Chicken is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to give your sauce a bit of kick.
• Use different sweeteners: Experiment with honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This step helps create a lovely crust on your chicken when cooked, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then add the coated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. If your skillet isn’t big enough for all the chicken at once, cook in batches. Once done, remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the remaining vegetable oil into your skillet. To this hot oil, toss in the sliced scallions and cook them for about 30 seconds. Stir in minced garlic afterward, cooking for an additional 20 seconds. This step adds depth and fragrance to your dish!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger; whisk until well mixed. Pour this delicious mixture into your hot skillet with sautéed aromatics. Let it cook for about 3 minutes until it reaches a steady simmer.

Step 5: Combine

Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve your Easy Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles—enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Bourbon Chicken

Cooking can be a joyful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Easy Bourbon Chicken to the next level!

• Choose the right chicken: Using boneless skinless chicken thighs adds moisture and flavor to the dish, making it tender and juicy. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work too, but thighs are generally more forgiving when it comes to cooking time.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying helps create a crispy exterior while locking in juices. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
• Control the heat: When cooking the aromatics, ensure your skillet is at medium heat. This prevents burning and allows the scallions and garlic to release their flavors without becoming bitter.
• Thicken the sauce properly: Letting the sauce simmer after adding the chicken helps thicken it beautifully. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it during simmering.
• Make it ahead: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld even more, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.
• Sliced green onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only adds a splash of color but also offers a nutritious balance to your meal. Its subtle flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce.
• Fried rice: A classic side that complements Asian-inspired dishes perfectly. You can customize it by adding vegetables or scrambling in an egg for extra protein.
• Garlic bread: The buttery goodness of garlic bread brings comfort to your dinner table, providing a great option for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with fresh vegetables adds a healthy touch. The nuttiness of quinoa pairs well with the sweetness of the bourbon sauce.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delightful Easy Bourbon Chicken! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week without the stress of daily cooking. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bourbon chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label them with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use the microwave: heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe:

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can definitely use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful of slightly adjusting cooking times since chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

What can I substitute for bourbon in Easy Bourbon Chicken?

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, you can replace bourbon with apple juice or a mix of apple cider vinegar and additional brown sugar. This will help maintain that sweet and savory flavor profile.

How do I serve Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Easy Bourbon Chicken is best served over rice, but you can also pair it with noodles or steamed vegetables. Feel free to add your favorite sides!

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to your sauce mixture for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with delightful flavors that bring comfort to your dinner table. I hope you find joy in making this dish as much as I do! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!