Bourbon Chicken

Ever had chicken so tender and flavorful that it makes you want to do a happy dance?

Bourbon Chicken is one of those delicious meals that seems fancy but is actually a breeze to whip up. It’s a one-pan wonder that gets its flavor from that perfect blend of bourbon, soy sauce, and sweetness. Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent chicken pieces, drenched in a sticky, finger-licking sauce. Yes, please!

Why make this recipe

This recipe isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about saving you time and effort as well!

• Easy Cleanup: Who has time for a mountain of dishes? Not you! This is a one-pan dish, which means less scrubbing and more relaxing.
• Quick and Flavorsome: It comes together in about 30 minutes, so you can go from hanging out after work to digging in faster than you can say “Bourbon Chicken!”
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that please even the pickiest of eaters. Kids and adults alike will scrape their plates clean.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to turn those simple ingredients into a magical meal:

1. In a bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir to mix.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour the bourbon mixture over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.

How to make Bourbon Chicken (Overview)

Alright, let’s break it down a bit more. First, you mix your liquid ingredients and sugar for that sweet but tangy sauce. Then you cook the chicken in a hot skillet until it’s golden brown—hello, flavor! After that, let the sauce do its thing and thicken up for a cozy hug of flavor around those chicken pieces. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference!

How to serve Bourbon Chicken

Time to impress your dinner guests! Serve this Bourbon Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top for a pop of color. Just imagine that steaming plate, the aroma wafting through the air, with the rich golden sauce glistening. Talk about drool-worthy!

How to store Bourbon Chicken

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, pop it in the freezer, where it’ll last about 2-3 months. For reheating, microwave it or warm it on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of water to keep it from drying out!

Tips to make Bourbon Chicken

Here are some quick insider tricks to elevate your Bourbon Chicken experience:

• Timing is crucial! Ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any chewy textures.
• Ingredient swaps: Got some honey? You can substitute that for brown sugar!
• Texture tips: For an extra layer of crunch, add some cashews or peanuts at the end!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist, or switch out the chicken for tofu or tempeh to make it vegan. The flavors of bourbon and soy sauce still shine through, and your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Absolutely! If bourbon isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for whiskey or even rum.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
For sure! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Just heat it up before serving.

3. Is Bourbon Chicken spicy?
Nope! It’s more sweet and savory than spicy, making it a hit with all ages.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Bourbon Chicken

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, perfect for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Serving

• 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
• as needed cooked rice or noodles for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir to mix.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour the bourbon mixture over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
6. Serve over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

For added flavor, toast the garlic before adding it to the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.