Original Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken offers a sweet and savory flavor profile with a hint of bourbon, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests craving bold Asian-inspired tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook cubed chicken until done.
- In a small saucepan, combine catsup, brown sugar, bourbon, ground ginger, liquid smoke, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Cook until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil.
- Pour mixture over cooked chicken and heat thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh garlic for a more vibrant flavor. If you don't have bourbon, apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute, although it will alter the taste. You can also add some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Make sure to cook the chicken fully to ensure it absorbs the sauce flavors, similar to how you would with Teriyaki-Style Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bourbon chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with dishes like Tim'S Chicken Fried Rice(Kao Pael Gai) or a simple green salad. For an added touch, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds to enhance the dish's presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Original Bourbon Chicken contains roughly 201 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2268mg per serving (99% 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 thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a juicier texture and richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. Additionally, using low-sugar ketchup can help achieve a less sweet sauce while still maintaining the dish's integrity.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine them just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
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).