Bourbon chicken, a beloved dish in American Chinese cuisine, gets its name not from the drink but from the Orleans Parish, Louisiana, where it was first created. A popular choice in food courts and takeout menus, it features tender chunks of chicken marinated and glazed in a sticky, sweet sauce. In this post, we'll walk through how you can recreate this flavorful dish at home with an easy recipe, offering tips for marinating and cooking to achieve perfect results.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients to ensure your bourbon chicken turns out just as delicious as any restaurant version.
- Chicken – 2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bourbon – 1/4 cup (optional, for an authentic taste)
- Soy Sauce – 1/2 cup
- Honey – 1/3 cup
- Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup
- Ketchup – 1/4 cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Cornstarch – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 inch, grated or minced
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, to taste
- Sesame Oil – 1 tbsp
- Green Onions – For garnish
- Sesame Seeds – Optional, for garnish
Steps to Making Bourbon Chicken
Let’s dive into the process of crafting your very own bourbon chicken:
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
- Add 1⁄4 cup of soy sauce, bourbon (if using), 1 tbsp of honey, and half of the garlic and ginger. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine the remaining soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and the rest of the garlic and ginger.
- Add cornstarch to a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir this into the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens into a glaze.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken (discarding excess marinade). Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, and continue to cook, tossing the chicken in the sauce until it’s well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving
- Serve your bourbon chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Accompany with steamed white or fried rice, and possibly a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
🍗 Note: If you prefer a less sweet dish, adjust the honey and brown sugar. Remember, cooking is about personalization, so taste and adjust as you go!
Notes on the Bourbon
While bourbon adds a unique depth to the flavor, it’s not essential for the dish. You can skip it or use apple juice or apple cider as an alternative for a non-alcoholic version. Here are some notes:
- The alcohol cooks off during the cooking process, leaving behind only flavor.
- For an alcohol-free version, you can still achieve great taste by following the steps without bourbon.
As we come to the end of our bourbon chicken recipe, we can appreciate the blend of flavors that make this dish both comforting and exciting. The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, combined with tender, marinated chicken, creates a harmonious bite that is hard to resist. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just for a personal treat, bourbon chicken is a versatile dish that promises satisfaction in every forkful.
Can I make bourbon chicken without using bourbon?
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Absolutely! Replace the bourbon with apple juice or apple cider to maintain the flavor profile without the alcohol.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
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Marinating for at least 1 hour will work, but for the most flavorful chicken, marinate overnight.
What if my sauce isn’t thick enough?
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If the sauce remains too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it slowly, cooking until thickened to your liking.
