Quick Bourbon Chicken
As a home cook, there is little these days that brings me as much simple contentment as a dinner that is delicious, easy to shop for, easy to prep, and FAST. (OK, maybe an afternoon mani-pedi, but those are few are far between, so I am more than happy to settle for the small victory of dinner on the table.)
This bourbon chicken is the perfect thing to add to your menu any week that you know you will be busy and tired, but still want something tasty and homemade. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the cooking process is dead simple. Whisk together the sauce, brown the chicken, let the sauce simmer and thicken, scoop out generous spoonfuls over any grain or veggie of your choice, and you’re done! As a bonus, you can do almost all of this with one hand, while balancing a curious toddler on the other hip. If, you know, you like that kind of challenge.
Now, I should note that most bourbon chicken recipes do not include actual bourbon; rather, some say its namesake is a dish originally conjured on Bourbon Street. I cannot profess to know whether this is true or random internet lore (#alternativefact – eating two pieces of broccoli cancels out a post-dinner pint of Ben & Jerry’s). But I can profess with great enthusiasm that, whatever its origin, my family loves the addicting, sweet-spicy sauce, and we find it even more flavorful with a splash of bourbon whisked in. Because, really, why not? On a similar note, we like to add cashews for the contrasting crunchy texture, but that is completely optional, as well.
So, next time you’re in a pinch, feel confident skipping the takeout and whip up this quick bourbon chicken instead. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in 30 minutes, and you can bet there will be requests for seconds!
Sticky Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. cornstarch divided
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. bourbon optional
- 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp. canola, vegetable, or coconut oil
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to a bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and toss briefly to coat. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, bourbon (if using), garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot and rippling. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 1 minute on each side, just until the outside edges are golden. The chicken should not be cooked all the way through. Remove pieces to a plate and set aside.
- If there is a lot of oil left in the skillet, pour a bit out or soak up a bit with a paper towel. Return the pan to medium heat, pour in the sauce, and bring it to a simmer. Add back in the chicken and stir to coat each piece of meat with the sauce.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick, almost syrupy. Serve over rice.
