Description
Succulent bourbon chicken emerges as a savory homage to New Orleans street cuisine. Rich flavors meld tender meat with a sweet-tangy glaze that pulls diners into culinary memories you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- ½ cup (118 ml) bourbon (or apple juice)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (118 ml) water
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 2 tbsps water (for cornstarch mixture)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- white rice or fried rice
- green onions, sliced
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Coating Preparation: Dust chicken pieces with cornstarch to create a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
- Searing Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then strategically place chicken to achieve a deep caramelized crust, cooking for 5-6 minutes until thoroughly done.
- Aromatic Foundation: Remove chicken and quickly sauté minced garlic in the same skillet, releasing its intense fragrance.
- Sauce Creation: Combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water directly into the skillet, simmering to allow alcohol to evaporate and flavors to harmonize for approximately 5 minutes.
- Thickening Process: Incorporate a cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring consistently to develop a glossy, rich consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Final Integration: Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious sauce and warming through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Presentation: Plate the Bourbon Chicken atop steamed rice, adorning with freshly chopped green onions and a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds for enhanced visual and textural appeal.
Notes
- Cornstarch Coating Technique: Lightly dust chicken with cornstarch to create a delicate, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and provides a golden-brown finish.
- Searing Secret: Ensure skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve perfect caramelization and develop deep, rich flavor notes without burning.
- Sauce Consistency Hack: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent clumping and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Dietary Adaptation Tip: Swap bourbon with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version, or use gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg