What you need to make this recipe
Chicken – you can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs both work just as well just make sure they are skinless and boneless. Cornstarch – this is a key ingredient for creating a light and crispy batter on the chicken and for thickening the sauce! Bourbon – If you’re a bourbon aficionado, save the good stuff for sipping and reach for a less-expensive brand for marinating the chicken and simmering the sauce. You can always tilt a splash of the good stuff into the sauce at the last minute for an extra hit of bourbon goodness. Chicken stock – Make sure to use low sodium so the dish isn’t overly salty.
How to Make Bourbon Chicken
Mix the soy sauce, stock, bourbon, sugar, and spices in a bowl and set aside.
Cut the chicken into strips and then toss in cornstarch.
Fry the chicken in batches until crispy then set aside on a plate.
Add garlic to the hot pan and fry for a minute until fragrant.
Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a boil to deglaze the pan.
Add the chicken and simmer until the sauce has thickened and reduced, serve.
Pro tips for making this recipe
There are a few red pepper flakes in this recipe that gives a subtle heat but if you’d like this to be extra spicy try adding in some sriracha, chili powder, or extra red pepper flakes. When cooking the chicken do it in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan so it turns golden and crispy! Don’t use an extra special Bourbon for this recipe, a less expensive brand will do. If you don’t have bourbon you could use brandy, Scotch or Whiskey! If you prefer you can use fresh ginger instead of ground it will just give a stronger flavor. Brown sugar gives a delicious caramelized flavor you won’t get the same results with white sugar. The sauce will thicken as it reduces thanks to the sugar and cornflour. Use low sodium chicken stock and soy sauce so you can control how much salt goes into the dish.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the whole dish and reheat it when you are ready to eat or you can fry the chicken in advance so all that’s left to do is cook the sauce and add the chicken at last minute.
Non-alcohol substitutions for bourbon
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol doesn’t cook out of foods as quickly as you might think. So, if you’re planning to serve this dish to the kiddos, opt for a 21-and-under substitution for the bourbon, such as organic unfiltered apple juice.
What to serve with this
I love to serve this bourbon chicken with rice and sprinkling on green onions on top, it’s so simple and delicious. Check out our Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe to make perfect fluffy rice in no time. You could also serve this with sauteed broccoli, noodles, or a nice fresh salad.
Can you freeze this?
Absolutely, bourbon chicken freezes really well but just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating. Leftovers will also keep well in the fridge for around 2-3 days. If you’ve tried this Bourbon Chicken then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
