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Bourbon Chicken recipe

Bourbon Chicken

5 from 1 vote
Bourbon Chicken is a delicious, sticky, and sweet dish with a hint of bourbon that adds depth to the flavors. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory sauce made with bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian, Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breast cut into small strips
  • 2 tbs grapeseed oil
  • 1 tbsp bayou city all purpose seasoning
  • 1 tbsp bayou city all purpose seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
Bourbon Sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste note 2
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 scallions sliced, for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish
  • red pepper for garnish

Equipment

  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, coat chicken thighs with grapeseed oil and season with bayou city seasonings, onion powder, and paprika. mix until evenly coated.
  2. heat skillet over medium high heat (I used a skillet with grates to get grill marks on my chicken, but this is optional) . Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In a wok or skillet, add butter and sauté the minced ginger and garlic paste until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  6. slice the chicken into small strips, return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is well-coated.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions, red peppers, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Video

Notes

Adjusting Bourbon: The bourbon flavor is subtle and adds a unique depth. If you prefer a more pronounced taste, you can increase the amount slightly. However, the alcohol will mostly cook off during the cooking process.
Garlic paste: to make garlic paste follow this recipe. You can also substitute for fresh, minced garlic
Sweetness and Heat: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
Substitutions: For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.