Discover how to whip up a delicious Bourbon Chicken dinner in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
No bourbon in the original bourbon chicken
Despite its name, the traditional Bourbon Chicken recipe does not actually contain bourbon whiskey. The dish is named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it was first created. This might come as a surprise to many, but the flavor profile of the dish is so rich and savory that you won't miss the bourbon at all.
The absence of bourbon makes this recipe even more accessible and family-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it without any reservations.
Essentials of Bourbon Chicken: Ingredients and Prep
To make a quick and easy Bourbon Chicken, you need a handful of essential ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The key ingredients include hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, butter, and chicken breast.
The preparation involves chopping the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and mixing the sauce ingredients in a bowl. This simple prep work sets the stage for a delicious meal that you can whip up in no time.
Mastering the Bourbon Sauce: A Flavorful Symphony
The sauce is where the magic happens. Combining hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper creates a flavorful symphony that coats the chicken beautifully. The balance of sweet and savory notes makes this sauce irresistible.
Make sure to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly in a bowl and set it aside. This step ensures that all the flavors meld together, ready to be poured over the cooked chicken for maximum taste.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Quick and Easy Bourbon Chicken
Heat up the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding the chopped chicken breast. Quick-frying the chicken until it is no longer pink ensures that it remains tender and juicy. It's important not to overcrowd the skillet to allow even cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared sauce over it and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Stirring the chicken in the sauce helps to coat each piece thoroughly, infusing it with the sauce's rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions: Pairings that Complement Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it over steamed white rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Vegetables like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad also make great accompaniments.
For a more indulgent meal, consider pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of buttery corn on the cob. The versatile flavors of Bourbon Chicken make it easy to pair with almost any side dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips for Bourbon Chicken
If you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish ahead of time, Bourbon Chicken stores well in the refrigerator. Place the chicken in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 3 days.
When reheating, you can use a skillet over medium heat or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. In the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.
Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 lbs of chopped chicken breast
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Set the sauce aside.
2. In a skillet, heat up the butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add chopped chicken breast to the skillet and quick-fry until no longer pink.
4. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
5. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken with the sauce.
6. Once done, you can either enjoy the Bourbon Chicken immediately or freeze it until you're ready to serve it for dinner.
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