Description
This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful bourbon sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Quick to prepare and perfect served over boiled or egg fried rice, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds for an irresistible, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 750 g (1.65 lbs) skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets (trimmed)
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tsp minced ginger
Bourbon Sauce
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) chicken stock (use low sodium if preferred)
- 4 tbsp bourbon whisky (replace with 4 tbsp apple juice + 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce if preferred)
- 5 tbsp light brown sugar
To Serve
- Boiled rice or egg fried rice
- Spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thigh fillets into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons of cornflour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, gently tossing until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: While the chicken cooks, in a separate bowl whisk together 3 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornflour, 180 ml chicken stock, 4 tablespoons bourbon whisky, and 5 tablespoons light brown sugar until smooth.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the bourbon sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the bourbon chicken hot over boiled rice or egg fried rice. Garnish with thinly sliced spring onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice and Worcestershire sauce as suggested.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken stock to control salt content.
- Chicken thigh fillets keep the dish juicy and tender; however, chicken breast can be used if preferred but may result in a drier texture.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount according to your preferred sweetness.
- Sprinkle extra sesame seeds or chopped nuts for crunch.
Keywords: bourbon chicken, easy bourbon chicken recipe, chicken thighs, quick dinner, bourbon sauce, Asian-inspired chicken