Savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken
This delectable Savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken recipe is a beloved twist on the classic dish enjoyed in cozy Chinese carry-outs across the country. Inspired by the flavorful concoctions of a Chinese chef from Bourbon Street, this dish combines tender pieces of chicken with a rich, tangy glaze that features a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. With just one bite, you’ll understand why it disappears so quickly – your family will be begging for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
2 lbs (cut into bite-size pieces)
olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (for cooking)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
ginger
1/4 teaspoon (fresh, or powdered)
crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon (for spice)
apple juice
1/4 cup (for sauce)
light brown sugar
1/3 cup (for sweetness)
ketchup
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (for acidity)
water
1/2 cup (to adjust sauce consistency)
soy sauce
1/3 cup (for umami flavor)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3
3. In the same skillet, add the crushed garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4
4. Pour in the apple juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, then add the light brown sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, water, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5
5. Once the sauce is well-mixed and hot, return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring all pieces are coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a hard boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6
6. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
7
7. Serve the Bourbon-Glazed Chicken over hot steamed rice, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken?
It is a dish featuring tender chicken pieces in a rich, tangy glaze with a balance of sweetness and spice, inspired by Chinese carry-out flavors.
Does this bourbon chicken recipe actually contain bourbon?
Based on the ingredient list, this specific recipe uses apple juice, soy sauce, and cider vinegar to create the glaze without using actual bourbon.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts and will remain very tender during the simmering process.
What makes the sauce tangy and sweet?
The sweetness comes from light brown sugar and apple juice, while the tanginess comes from cider vinegar and ketchup.
How long does it take to cook the chicken initially?
The chicken pieces should be cooked in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through before being removed from the skillet.
How is the ginger prepared for this dish?
You can use 1/4 teaspoon of either fresh ginger or powdered ginger.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 3/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which provides a moderate level of spice.
How do I deglaze the skillet?
Pour in the apple juice and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits of chicken.
What is the purpose of simmering the chicken for 20 minutes?
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken properly while coating the chicken.
What should I serve with Bourbon-Glazed Chicken?
The recipe recommends serving it over hot steamed rice with extra sauce drizzled over the top.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires one crushed garlic clove.
Is this an authentic Chinese dish?
It is inspired by Chinese-American carry-out cuisine and a chef from Bourbon Street rather than traditional Chinese cooking.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What provides the umami flavor in the glaze?
The soy sauce provides the savory umami depth to the sauce.
Can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of water to help adjust the sauce consistency during cooking.
Do I need to cover the pan while simmering?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Is the chicken seasoned before cooking?
Yes, the chicken should be seasoned lightly with salt and pepper while browning in the skillet.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready after simmering for 20 minutes when it has thickened and the flavors have melded.
Can I make this recipe faster?
While the simmering takes 20 minutes, the prep and initial browning are quick, making it a good choice for a family dinner.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
How much apple juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of apple juice for the sauce.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh crushed garlic is recommended for the best flavor, garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, though you may want to reduce the red pepper flakes if your children are sensitive to spice.
How much ketchup is in the glaze?
The glaze contains 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
Should the heat be high the whole time?
No, you start with medium-high heat, bring the sauce to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low for simmering.
What preparation is needed for the chicken?
The boneless breasts should be cut into bite-size pieces before cooking.
Why is it called 'Bourbon' chicken if there is no bourbon?
The name often refers to Bourbon Street in New Orleans where the style of dish originated, or the flavor profile it mimics.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, this dish stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors often deepen the next day.