This delectable recipe for bourbon chicken features succulent bites of chicken smothered in a luscious sweet and spicy sauce. It’s served over a bed of fluffy white rice, thus creating a comforting base that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the dish. Additionally, a final touch of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor. Bourbon chicken is an enticing meal that will have the entire family eagerly anticipating dinner.
Bourbon chicken is a delightful fusion of American cuisine and Chinese culinary techniques. The dish takes on a distinctive character through the art of stir-frying, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese cooking. In addition, the blend of sweet and spicy flavors in the sauce elevates this dish, making it a memorable and pleasant meal.
A Special Technique in Preparing the Chicken
One of the classic techniques in Chinese cuisine that enhances the bourbon chicken is velveting. This method involves marinating the chicken in cornstarch, which serves multiple purposes. First, velveting tenderizes the meat. This technique also creates a pleasingly crispy outer texture. Finally, it ensures that the interior remains juicy and flavorful. It’s considered an essential technique in stir-frying that transforms ordinary chicken into a tender delight. Before stir-frying, it’s particularly important to rinse off the cornstarch to achieve the best results. Alternatively, baking soda can be used in place of cornstarch, though it may not provide the same crispy finish. For even more information on the velveting process, check out this great article by NY Times Cooking, titled The Best Way to Stir Fry Chicken.
Bourbon Chicken Preparation, Servings and Storage
Bourbon chicken is simple to prepare and only takes about 35 minutes to prepare. It is also a perfect meal to serve on busy weeknights. The recipe requires just one skillet, ensuring that cleanup is quick and easy. With a single batch of bourbon chicken capable of serving up to six people, it’s perfect for large families or for meal prepping. Any delicious leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, ready to be enjoyed again.
Looking for More Quick and Satisfying Dinner Recipes? Consider trying:
Bourbon Chicken
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Large cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Avocado oil
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Jim Beam Bourbon
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken with the cornstarch. Leave this mixture for 5 minutes so that the cornstarch velvets the chicken.
- Rinse the cornstarch off of the chicken and dry the chicken pieces.
- Heat avocado oil to a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5-10 minutes, tossing to prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet.
- When the chicken is completely cooked through, remove to a plate and lightly cover with foil to keep warm.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ginger, onion powder, crushed red pepper, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, bourbon, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
- Pour the ingredients into the cast iron skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often.
- Once the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened (about 10 minutes), add the chicken back into the sauce.
- Stir to coat the chicken pieces with sauce. Serve immediately with hot fluffy white rice.
Nutrition
