Bourbon Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans. This dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be served over rice for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup bourbon (optional for a boozy flavor, or substitute with chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• ½ cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter version)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for a nutty flavor
• 1 bell pepper, sliced for added veggies
• 1 tablespoon sriracha for extra heat

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles
• Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the bourbon (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about 1 minute to cook off some of the alcohol.
2. Add the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and ketchup to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
2. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly, to thicken the sauce. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
2. Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve the Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice or noodles, with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables.

Cooking Notes

• Bourbon: For a boozy, rich flavor, bourbon is key. If you’d rather skip the alcohol, substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Chicken Thighs: Thighs are preferred for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.

Variations

1. Spicy Bourbon Chicken

For a spicy version, add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce. You can also increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

2. Vegetable-Loaded Bourbon Chicken

Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet after the chicken is browned. Cook the vegetables until tender-crisp before adding the sauce.

3. Honey Bourbon Chicken

For a sweeter version, replace half of the brown sugar with honey. This adds a rich sweetness to the dish while keeping the bourbon flavor intact.

4. Pineapple Bourbon Chicken

Add ½ cup of pineapple chunks and 1-2 tablespoons of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the carb content.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?
Yes! You can substitute the bourbon with chicken broth or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. The dish will still be flavorful, but without the boozy kick.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?
Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What can I serve with Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh green salad.

Q: Can I use a slow cooker for Bourbon Chicken?
Yes! To make Bourbon Chicken in a slow cooker, brown the chicken first, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

This Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, sweet, and savory dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich bourbon-infused sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or make it keto-friendly by using low-carb ingredients. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious, restaurant-style meal at home.