Bourbon Chicken Recipe Leeann Chin
Bourbon Chicken Recipe Leeann Chin features tender chicken chunks simmered in a flavorful sauce made with bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. The result is a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy dish. Served over rice, it's a quick and easy Asian-inspired meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound approximately 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion sliced (optional)
- 8 ounces about 225g mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple juice or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon bourbon whiskey optional
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
- 2 green onions sliced thinly on the diagonal, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until they become golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple juice or chicken stock, bourbon (if using), hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using).
Combine and Simmer
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- If you sautéed vegetables earlier, return them to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
While the bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor, it’s optional. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit it without compromising the dish’s overall taste.
Additionally, the liquid smoke provides a subtle smoky flavor reminiscent of grilled chicken, but it’s also optional.