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easy bourbon chicken recipe
Ben Carraoli

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

f you're looking for a quick and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family or guests, then an easy bourbon chicken recipe is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a savory-sweet bourbon sauce that’s full of flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. They absorb the bourbon sauce well, giving the dish a tender texture.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is used for searing the chicken. Olive oil adds flavor and prevents sticking to the pan.
  • 1/4 cup bourbon: The star ingredient! It imparts a rich smoky flavor to the sauce. It also helps balance out the sweetness from the brown sugar.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce: This adds a salty depth to the sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar creates a nice sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the dish. It also helps thicken the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to the sauce cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder gives a warm savory flavor to the sauce, complementing the bourbon's richness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle earthy spiciness to the sauce. It complements the sweetness of the sugar and the heat of the bourbon.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional: Used to thicken the sauce if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Method
 

  1. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, allowing for a better sear. Season the pieces lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor. Once prepared, set the chicken aside while you work on the sauce.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes to form a nice golden-brown crust. Once the chicken is seared on one side, flip the pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Stir the mixture together, making sure the sugar dissolves. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. If you'd like the sauce to be thicker, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir well, and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the seared chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve your bourbon chicken over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or any side you prefer. The sauce will beautifully coat the chicken, making each bite tender and flavorful. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your homemade bourbon chicken!