Bourbon Chicken is a savory and slightly sweet dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with tender chicken pieces. This dish features succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices such as garlic and ginger. The chicken is then cooked to a golden brown and simmered in the marinade, which is thickened to create a glossy, flavorful sauce. Finished with a garnish of fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Perfect for serving over steamed rice or noodles, Bourbon Chicken offers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that make it an irresistible meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sauce Thickener:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and ground black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade.
- Bring the marinade to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry.
- Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering marinade, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the thickened sauce to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Bourbon Chicken to a serving platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your Bourbon Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal!
