From Takeout to Table: Homemade bourbon chicken Made Easy

bourbon chicken recipe

Components :

For the Chicken :

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Sauce :

• ⅓ cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
• ¼ cup bourbon or substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ginger powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for a slight kick
• ½ cup chicken broth or water

Optional Garnish :

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions :

1. Prepare the Chicken :

• Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Make the Sauce :

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.

3. Cook the Sauce :

• Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet. Stir and cook over medium heat until it starts to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Combine :

• Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is glossy.

5. Serve :

• Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips :

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the sauce for 15–30 minutes before cooking just remember to cook the marinade thoroughly if you use it.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness by tweaking the sugar and soy sauce to taste.