Description
Juicy bourbon chicken highlights Southern-inspired cooking with tender meat glazed in sweet-tangy sauce. Rich marinade and quick skillet preparation deliver classic comfort flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on all surfaces, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Pour the aromatic sauce directly over the browned chicken, reducing heat to low and allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, ensuring chicken is fully cooked and absorbing the rich flavors.
- Create a smooth cornstarch slurry and gradually incorporate it into the skillet, stirring continuously to develop a glossy, thickened sauce consistency, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the succulent bourbon-infused chicken to a serving platter, spooning the luxurious sauce over the meat and accompanying with steamed rice or your preferred side dish for a complete meal.
Notes
- Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish more heart-healthy without compromising taste.
- Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent any undercooked sections.
- Marinate chicken beforehand for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg