What To Know
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- For a more substantial meal, serve the bourbon chicken with a side of fried rice or lo mein.
- You can use any type of bourbon you like, but a sweeter bourbon will result in a sweeter sauce.
The original bourbon chicken recipe is an American-Chinese dish that has become a beloved favorite across the United States. With its sweet and savory sauce, tender chicken, and crispy coating, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield delicious results.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For the chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. For the sauce, you’ll need bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. You’ll also need vegetable oil for frying, eggs for the egg wash, and flour for dredging the chicken.
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Once the chicken is marinated, drain it and pat it dry.
Make the Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set the sauce aside until ready to use.
Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, dip the chicken pieces into the egg wash, then dredge them in flour. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is fried, add it back to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the bourbon chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious homemade bourbon chicken!
Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Chicken
- Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the marinating step. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still tender and juicy.
- Serve the bourbon chicken immediately after cooking. This will ensure that the sauce is at its best.
Variations on the Original Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a sweeter version, add a little more brown sugar to the sauce.
- You can also add vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli.
- If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute another type of whiskey, such as rye or scotch.
The Perfect Pairing: Bourbon Chicken and Sides
- Steamed rice or noodles are classic sides for bourbon chicken.
- You can also serve it with a side of vegetables, such as stir-fried broccoli or green beans.
- For a more substantial meal, serve the bourbon chicken with a side of fried rice or lo mein.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be a little more tender and flavorful, but either one will work well.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
Q: What kind of bourbon should I use?
A: Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor. You can use any type of bourbon you like, but a sweeter bourbon will result in a sweeter sauce.
Q: Can I make the bourbon chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the bourbon chicken in advance. Simply cook the chicken and sauce according to the recipe, then let it cool completely. Store the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
