Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With its sticky sweet sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. This dish captures the essence of restaurant-quality meals right in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of apple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a deliciously sticky sauce that everyone will love.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to make it mild or spicy based on your preference!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken and minimal added sugars, this dish can be a wholesome option for dinner.
• Kid-Friendly Option: Easily modify the recipe to create a kid-friendly version without alcohol.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking, gather your tools! Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or pot
• Medium bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or pot: The right pan ensures even cooking and helps develop the flavors in your sauce beautifully.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing cornstarch with spices before coating the chicken for optimal flavor.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time you make this easy bourbon chicken.

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Ingredients

For this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken

• 3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces)

Coating & Seasoning

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra, see notes)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
• ⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
• ⅓ cup apple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
• 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
2. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat all pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Cook on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes.
3. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
4. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add all remaining sauce ingredients from chicken broth through red pepper flakes.
3. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low and return browned chicken back into the sauce.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.

Step 5: Optional Thicken Sauce

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine ½ – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Now you’re ready to serve this delicious Easy Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice! Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures. This dish can be presented in several creative ways to enhance your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the chicken atop a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The sauce will soak into the rice, adding flavor to every bite.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair your bourbon chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a vibrant plate full of nutrients.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the bourbon chicken mixture into fresh lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy way to enjoy this dish. It’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

As Part of a Rice Bowl

• Create a rice bowl by layering cooked rice, bourbon chicken, and toppings such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and avocado for added texture.

With Noodles

• Serve bourbon chicken over cooked noodles—either rice noodles or egg noodles—for a comforting twist on this classic dish.

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

Perfecting Easy Bourbon Chicken is all about balancing flavors and ensuring your chicken is tender and juicy. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality soy sauce make a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents steaming and ensures that each piece gets nicely browned.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce before serving; you can add more brown sugar or vinegar depending on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce helps it absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Thicken wisely: If you prefer a thicker sauce, be careful not to add too much cornstarch at once; start with small amounts.
• Garnish generously: Adding fresh herbs or sesame seeds on top before serving enhances both appearance and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Easy Bourbon Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice
   A classic side that complements the flavors of bourbon chicken perfectly, fried rice can include vegetables and scrambled eggs for added richness.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the sweetness of the chicken.

3. Quinoa Pilaf
   A nutty quinoa pilaf provides a hearty base that works well with bourbon chicken’s rich sauce.

4. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate, making it an indulgent side option.

5. Cabbage Slaw
   A crunchy cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors of the bourbon chicken.

6. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of this dish.

7. Asian Cucumber Salad
   This light salad, made with sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar and sesame oil, brings brightness to your meal.

8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the bourbon sauce beautifully while adding fiber and vitamins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Using too much cornstarch: Adding excess cornstarch can make the sauce overly thick and gloopy. Stick to the recommended amount and adjust gradually if needed.
• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the chicken properly can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Be sure to cook it until golden before adding the sauce.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Always measure ingredients precisely for the best results.
• Using high-sodium soy sauce: This can make your dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce instead to control saltiness.
• Neglecting simmer time: Not allowing enough simmer time may result in a watery sauce. Let it reduce properly for that sticky, flavorful finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Bourbon Chicken.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef for different flavors and textures.

How do I make this recipe kid-friendly?

To make a version suitable for kids, simply omit the bourbon and reduce the amount of red pepper flakes for less spice.

What sides pair well with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I prepare Easy Bourbon Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen. With its sweet and savory sauce, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels according to your taste!

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Easy Bourbon Chicken

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Experience the delightful balance of sweet and savory with this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish features tender chicken coated in a sticky apple juice-infused sauce that will impress your family and friends. It’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even as lettuce wraps, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. With wholesome ingredients and minimal added sugars, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising on health.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chopped)
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅔ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup apple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chopped chicken until fully coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden.
3. Remove chicken and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Return browned chicken to the sauce and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.
5. For a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce. Let simmer for an extra 2 minutes before serving.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 349
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 76mg