This easy and flavorful one-dish bourbon chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and sweet bourbon sauce. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then cooked with onions and peppers in a skillet. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Interesting Facts
Bourbon chicken is believed to have originated in New Orleans, where it was first sold in a food court in the 1980s.
The use of bourbon in this recipe adds a unique flavor to the dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in the marinade gives the chicken a delicious Asian-inspired taste.