Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish that originated in Louisiana, USA. It is a flavorful and savory dish that is made with boneless chicken, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and bourbon whiskey.
How To Make:
To make the dish, the chicken is first cut into bite-sized pieces and then marinated in the sauce for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop. The chicken is then cooked in a wok or skillet with the marinade until it is fully cooked and tender. The sauce is reduced and thickened to create a rich and savory glaze that coats the chicken.
The dish is often served over a bed of rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Some variations of the dish may include vegetables like peppers and onions, or additional seasonings like ginger or red pepper flakes.
Bourbon Chicken is a favorite among fans of Southern cuisine, and its popularity has spread across the United States and beyond. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a special occasion or party.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking will add flavor and help tenderize the meat.
Use boneless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts, making them ideal for this dish.
Increase the amount of honey or brown sugar if you want a sweeter sauce. Reduce the sugar content to make the sauce less sweet.
Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce to thicken it.
Serve with rice: Bourbon chicken is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which helps balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Variations:
Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add some heat to the dish by adding crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add chopped pineapple to the sauce for a fruity twist on the traditional recipe.
Vegetarian Bourbon "Chicken": Use firm tofu or seitan instead of chicken for a vegetarian version of the dish.
BBQ Bourbon Chicken: Add a smoky flavor to the dish by grilling the chicken before tossing it in the bourbon sauce.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken: Cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the bourbon sauce for a hands-off and easy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Vegetable oil should be heated to a medium-high temperature in a sizable skillet. Add the chicken and heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
Stir the chicken in the sauce after pouring it over it. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Stir the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce has thickened even more about 1-2 minutes.
Serve the Bourbon Chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.