Saucy Bourbon Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
440 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Saucy Bourbon Chicken
Description
This recipe calls for cubed boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper, seared until browned in a mix of vegetable and sesame oils. The sauce combines chicken broth, orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, thickened slightly with cornstarch. The sauce is poured over the browned chicken and simmered together, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
The sauce has a rich blend of sweet from brown sugar and orange juice and savory from soy sauce, accented by a gentle garlic pungency and adjustable spicy heat from red pepper flakes. The bourbon adds depth and a subtle boozy warmth that cooks off during simmering. The chicken pieces absorb this combination, resulting in tender, flavorful bites with a glossy coating.
Typically served hot over steamed white rice, this dish makes a complete meal, balancing starch and protein with the sauce providing moisture and flavor. Garnishing with sliced green onions adds freshness and mild sharpness to the finished plate.
For non-alcoholic preparation, bourbon can be replaced with apple juice and a small amount of vinegar to maintain balance. Rice is cooked separately according to package directions.
Ingredients
Bourbon Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic about 6 cloves, minced
- 1 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes to taste, crushed
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thigh or breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup green onion sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup bourbon, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 to 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. The amount of red pepper flakes you use should be dependent on how spicy you want this to be. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cube 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Lightly sprinkle the chicken cubes with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat a large wok or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and let heat for 1 minute. Add in chicken and cook until the exterior browns, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir and let the sauce and chicken simmer together for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onion.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice and add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar to replicate acidity.
- Serve this bourbon chicken over steamed white rice cooked as per package instructions, generally 4 cups rice simmered in 8 cups water for 8 cups cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 440 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 440kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1039mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 378mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 551IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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