What To Know
- Serve the bourbon chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Serve the bourbon chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Use the bourbon chicken as a filling for spring rolls or egg rolls for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Craving that classic bourbon chicken flavor but don’t have any bourbon on hand? Fear not! This bourbon chicken recipe without bourbon delivers all the sweet, savory, and lip-smacking goodness you love, minus the alcohol. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe that uses simple ingredients and packs a flavorful punch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
- Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Stir to combine and heat through.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the bourbon chicken.
- Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Chicken Without Bourbon
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and tender result.
- If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute an equal amount of granulated sugar.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and ketchup to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Serve the bourbon chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the sodium content.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or baby corn.
- Different Sauce: Experiment with different sauces such as hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or sweet and sour sauce for a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover bourbon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the bourbon chicken, simply microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice for a classic and comforting meal.
- Noodles: Pair the bourbon chicken with rice noodles, ramen noodles, or udon noodles for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Vegetables: Serve the bourbon chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Spring Rolls: Use the bourbon chicken as a filling for spring rolls or egg rolls for a delicious appetizer or snack.
“Beyond Bourbon Chicken”: Exploring Other Flavorful Chicken Dishes
- Teriyaki Chicken: This classic Japanese dish features chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
- General Tso’s Chicken: A popular Chinese-American dish with crispy chicken coated in a spicy and tangy sauce.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: A simple yet flavorful dish with chicken coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Orange Chicken: A tangy and refreshing dish with chicken cooked in a zesty orange sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy and aromatic dish with chicken stir-fried with peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be slightly less tender than thighs.
Q: What can I substitute for honey?
A: You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey.
Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
