Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice mixed with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or simply use additional chicken broth with a tablespoon of maple syrup for depth. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Is this dish very spicy?

That's entirely up to you! Using just 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a mild warmth, while 3 teaspoons will definitely bring the heat. Start with less if you're sensitive to spice - you can always add more next time.

Can I use chicken tenderloins instead of thighs or breasts?

Yes! Chicken tenderloins work wonderfully in this recipe and cook even faster. Just adjust your cooking time down slightly to prevent them from becoming dry, as they're smaller cuts of meat.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To lighten it up, reduce the brown sugar by half, use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth, and serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the final few minutes of cooking.

Saucy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Description

This Saucy Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering and flavor-packed dish, combining tender chicken bites with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet bourbon-infused sauce. Perfectly paired with rice, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite for weeknight dinners or even small gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sauce

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup bourbon
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
1–3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (based on spicy preference)
2 teaspoons corn starch

Chicken

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil

Topping

1/4 cup sliced green onions

For Serving

6–8 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (to your spicy preference), and corn starch. Set it aside for later use.
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the boneless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt and black pepper for seasoning.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and sesame oil, letting them heat for about 1 minute. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the exterior is browned, which takes about 10 minutes.
Simmer in the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce mixture over the browned chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce, then let it all simmer together for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and thicken.
Serve and Garnish
Serve the saucy bourbon chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, a dash of cracked black pepper for added flavor.

Notes

Slow Cooker Instructions:
You can also prepare this dish using a slow cooker. Simply prepare the sauce and brown the chicken on the stovetop first. Then, transfer the browned chicken and sauce to the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 380
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 760
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 65 mg