Description
Are you craving a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen? Look no further than this tantalizing Bourbon Chicken recipe. Bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the delightful blend of ingredients and simple steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces and patted dry
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup apple juice (or bourbon if available)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and patting them dry with a paper towel. Toss the chicken in a large bowl with 1 tbsp of cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess juices from the pan, then continue cooking the chicken over medium heat until it develops a beautiful golden brown color.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, combine pepper, onion powder, apple juice (or bourbon), ketchup, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, water, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Whisk together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is browned, pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Use a spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan, ensuring to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits. Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory sauce.
- Thicken and Serve: After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve the Bourbon Chicken over fluffy white rice and garnish with sliced green onions for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- Garnish with Freshness: Before serving, sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the Bourbon Chicken for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Not only does it add a delightful contrast in flavor, but it also enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
- Pair with Complementary Sides: While Bourbon Chicken is delicious on its own, consider serving it alongside complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, provide a vibrant and nutritious addition. Fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice make excellent accompaniments, soaking up the savory sauce and enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Bourbon Chicken is an excellent option for meal prep. Prepare a batch in advance and portion it into individual containers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
- Freezing Instructions: If you find yourself with leftovers or want to make a larger batch for future use, Bourbon Chicken freezes exceptionally well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Enhance Flavor with Marination: For an even more intense flavor profile, consider marinating the chicken pieces in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end result.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the Bourbon Chicken recipe to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, or tweak the level of spice by adjusting the amount of minced garlic or ground ginger. Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional seasonings or ingredients to make the dish uniquely yours.