Bourbon Chicken
A savory baked chicken dish featuring tender breasts, topped with cheddar and crunchy dressing, infused with bourbon flavor—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts in the dish.
- Grate frozen margarine or butter over the chicken.
- Pour the two cans of cream of chicken soup over the chicken and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle dressing crumbs over the casserole.
- Pour bourbon evenly over the dressing.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F.
- Serve with vegetables or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in bourbon for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with homemade white sauce or another cream soup. For a crunchier topping, consider adding chopped nuts to the dressing crumbs. This dish is reminiscent of other American recipes, like Chicken And Ritz, which also features a creamy base and crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bourbon Chicken alongside steamed vegetables like green beans or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a delightful twist, try serving it with a side of zucchini for a refreshing contrast, making it a versatile choice for your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven method will keep the topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon Chicken contains roughly 597 calories, with 25g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1460mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and may enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger.
What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with apple juice or white grape juice for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, chicken broth with a splash of vanilla extract can also work as a substitute, adding depth without the alcohol.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time as it may take longer if starting from cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).