Welcome to my kitchen, friends! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in our household: Easy Bourbon Chicken. Now, before you raise an eyebrow at the word “bourbon,” let me assure you, this dish is all about flavor and comfort—with no need for a culinary degree to whip it up! My cooking journey began just like yours, with simple ingredients and a pinch of love. I’ve had my share of kitchen mishaps, and that’s what makes cooking fun and approachable, right? So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Picture this: tender chunks of chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, ready to be devoured over a fluffy mound of rice. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Bourbon Chicken
This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is not just delicious; it’s a meal that brings joy to the dinner table. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- It’s super simple to make—perfect for busy weeknights.
- The ingredients are easy to find, so you won’t have to make a special trip to the store.
- It’s packed with flavor, balancing sweetness and a hint of spice.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients that come together to create this flavorful dish. You’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, chopped into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Cornstarch: This will help give the chicken a lovely texture and help thicken the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken, though sesame oil adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Garlic: Because what’s a good dish without a little garlic magic?
- Chicken broth and soy sauce: These form the base of our sauce, adding depth and umami.
- Apple juice and ketchup: Providing sweetness and tang, these ingredients work together beautifully.
- Bourbon: For that signature flavor, but feel free to swap it out for a kid-friendly version if you prefer!
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash for brightness.
- Brown sugar: To balance the savory notes with some sweetness.
- Spices: Ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth.
You’ll find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make This Easy Bourbon Chicken, Step-by-Step
Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Here’s how to prepare your Easy Bourbon Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add the diced chicken and toss well to coat the pieces evenly.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (you can test it by adding a tiny piece of chicken), add the coated chicken pieces. Cook them on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes. Then, flip each piece and cook for another 3 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; we’ll finish them in the sauce!
- Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in all the sauce ingredients, from chicken broth to red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce by half and the chicken to cook through.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine ½ to 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir it into the sauce, let it simmer for another 2 minutes, and then remove from heat.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Here are a few tips to ensure your Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or ketchup.
- Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this dish is half the fun! Here are some ideas:
- Serve it over fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad or sautéed veggies for a balanced meal.
- For a fun twist, try it in lettuce wraps or over quinoa for a lighter option.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store your Bourbon Chicken:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can also be frozen! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should be good for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
And there you have it! A simple, tasty, and comforting meal that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as we do. Remember, cooking is all about the joy of experimenting and sharing meals with those you love. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your Bourbon Chicken triumphs with me!
Easy Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Mix 4 tbsp cornstarch with salt and pepper, coat chicken pieces.
- Heat oil, brown chicken in batches, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic, add sauce ingredients, bring to a boil.
- Return chicken to sauce, simmer 10 minutes until thickened.
- Optional: Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry, simmer 2 more minutes.