Bourbon Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
314 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Bourbon Chicken
Description
Bourbon Chicken is prepared by coating chicken pieces in cornstarch and pan-frying them until they develop a golden and crispy exterior. The sauce is made from bourbon, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and spices including garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. After cooking the chicken, garlic is briefly sautéed in the pan to release aroma before deglazing with the sauce, which is simmered to reduce and thicken. The chicken is returned to coat evenly in this glossy, sweet-savory sauce. The dish combines the crispy texture of the chicken pieces with the rich, caramelized sauce.
The finished dish is garnished with chopped green onions and pairs well with plain steamed rice, which helps balance the sweet and slightly spicy notes of the sauce. The flavor leans on the combination of bourbon's warmth and the sweetness of brown sugar with the umami of soy and spices providing complexity.
When cooking the chicken, it is important to do so in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure a crispy crust. The sauce thickens as it reduces, thanks to the sugar and cornstarch coating. A less expensive bourbon works fine for this recipe, and substitutions like brandy, Scotch, or whiskey can be used if bourbon is unavailable. Ground ginger may be replaced with fresh ginger for a stronger flavor. Adjust the spice level by adding sriracha, chili powder, or more red pepper flakes if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast or thigh
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 green onion chopped thinly for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the soy sauce, stock, bourbon, brown sugar and spices in a bowl then set aside.
- Cut the chicken into half inch thick strips then cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Place in a bowl and toss with cornstarch so the pieces are coated.
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot add the chicken in two batches. Cook on one side for about 3 minutes then flip. Do not move around, let it get nice and crispy.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and add about two tablespoons of oil to you pan add garlic and cook while moving constantly until fragrant. less than a minute.
- Pour in the sauce and use a wooden spoon to mix and deglaze the pan. Bring to a boil and cook for a minute then add the chicken back in and reduce to a simmer. Move the chicken to coat and cook until reduced by about half.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with rice.
Notes
- Cook chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan to get a crispy texture.
- Use a modestly priced bourbon or substitute with brandy, Scotch, or whiskey if needed.
- Ground ginger can be replaced with fresh ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Adjust spiciness by adding sriracha, chili powder, or extra red pepper flakes.
- The sauce thickens during simmering due to sugar and cornstarch in the coating.
- Using brown sugar is preferable for caramelized flavor compared to white sugar.
- Typical chicken quantity is about 1 to 1.5 pounds to suit serving size.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 314kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 1329mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 545mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 161IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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