Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a savory and slightly sweet bourbon-based sauce, then cooked to perfection in a skillet. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bourbon Chicken:

For the Marinade:

• Bourbon: Adds a unique depth of flavor to the marinade.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
• Water: Helps to create the marinade base.
• Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
• Brown sugar: Packed, adds sweetness and helps to create a glaze.
• Fresh ginger: Minced, adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor.
• Red wine: Adds depth and complexity to the marinade.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.

For the Chicken:

• Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
• Chives: Chopped, for garnish.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: bourbon, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, brown sugar, minced ginger, red wine, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or¹ up to overnight, to allow the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Pour half of the marinade into the skillet with the chicken and continue cooking until the marinade reduces and thickens into a glaze and the chicken is fully cooked, about 5-10 minutes more.

Step 3: Make Extra Sauce (Optional)

If you want extra sauce, you can cook the remaining marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until it reduces by half and thickens slightly.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped chives.

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken

• With Rice: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, such as jasmine rice or basmati rice.
• With Noodles: You can also serve it over noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein.
• With Vegetables: Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may be more prone to drying out during cooking.

Can I make this dish without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to the skillet along with the chicken.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Bourbon Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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