Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal? Our easy-to-make bourbon chicken recipe is the perfect choice. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that will satisfy your family's cravings and become a new favorite.
This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a mouthwatering sauce, blending sweet and savory flavors. With simple ingredients, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Serve the bourbon chicken alongside white rice or noodles, and you have a complete and satisfying meal.
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a delightful dish that will leave you craving more. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, our easy bourbon chicken recipe is the perfect choice to bring joy to your table.
And if you're looking to explore more Chinese-inspired flavors, we have a treat for you. In addition to our bourbon chicken, we invite you to try our other mouthwatering dishes. Sink your teeth into our delicious Chinese BBQ ribs, where tender meat is marinated and glazed with a sticky and savory sauce that will have you licking your fingers.
For a spicy kick, dive into our Kung Pao chicken, featuring juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a fiery blend of spices. Craving a crispy and tangy dish? Indulge in our classic General Tso chicken. And for those who enjoy a numbing and spicy adventure, our Mala chicken will tantalize your taste buds with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns and a chili-infused sauce.
How to Make Bourbon Chicken
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, granulated garlic, and ground black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are coated evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, light brown sugar, cornstarch, water, orange juice, rice vinegar, bourbon, toasted sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through; this may need to be done in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet or wok, add another 2 tablespoons of peanut oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the light green parts of the scallions until they become fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet or wok.
Give the sauce a good stir to make sure it is well-mixed. Then, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet or wok and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce and chicken cook together for a few minutes, tossing the chicken in the sauce until all the pieces are well-coated and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or alongside noodles. Garnish with the dark green parts of the sliced scallions.
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Recipe
Easy Bourbon Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet or wok
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless , skinless chicken breast or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar , packed
- 1 cup water
- Juice from 1 orange ( about ¼ cup)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Cooking:
- 4 tablespoons peanut oil
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 scallions , thinly sliced, light and dark green parts separated
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, granulated garlic, and ground black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are coated evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, light brown sugar, cornstarch, water, orange juice, rice vinegar, bourbon, toasted sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through; this may need to be done in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet or wok, add another 2 tablespoons of peanut oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the light green parts of the scallions until they become fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet or wok.
- Give the sauce a good stir to make sure it is well-mixed. Then, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet or wok and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce and chicken cook together for a few minutes, tossing the chicken in the sauce until all the pieces are well-coated and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or alongside noodles. Garnish with the dark green parts of the sliced scallions.
Notes
Label and Date: It's a good practice to label the container or bag with the name and date of storage. This will help you keep track of its freshness.
Storage Duration: Bourbon chicken can typically be refrigerated for up to 3 days. After this period, it is recommended to discard any remaining leftovers. When it comes to reheating bourbon chicken, there are a few methods you can choose from: Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a skillet or pan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through.
Oven: Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, then stir and continue heating in short intervals until the desired temperature is reached. Note: It's important to note that each reheating method may slightly affect the texture of the chicken. How to Make-Ahead To make bourbon chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for later use, follow these steps: Prepare the Recipe: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where the chicken is cooked and coated in the sauce. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool down slightly.
Storage Containers: Transfer the cooked bourbon chicken along with the sauce to airtight containers.
Refrigeration: Place the containers in the refrigerator immediately after they have cooled down. The bourbon chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy the pre-made bourbon chicken, simply take it out of the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and sauce using one of the reheating methods mentioned earlier (stovetop, oven, or microwave) until heated through. How to Freeze Prepare the Recipe: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where the chicken is cooked and coated in the sauce. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool down completely.
Portioning: Divide the bourbon chicken into individual meal-sized portions that suit your needs. This will make it easier to thaw and reheat the desired amount later.
Freezer-Safe Containers: Place each portion of bourbon chicken in airtight freezer-safe containers or sealable freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label and Date: Label each container or bag with the name and date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use the oldest portions first.
Freezing: Place the containers or bags in the freezer, making sure they are positioned flat to allow for easy stacking and to prevent the sauce from spilling. The bourbon chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bourbon chicken, transfer the desired portion from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method to maintain food quality.
Reheating: Once thawed, you can reheat the bourbon chicken using one of the reheating methods mentioned earlier (stovetop, oven, or microwave) until heated through.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
