This sweet and sticky Bourbon Chicken is easy to make and tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout. I use chicken thighs for a juicier result, and coat each piece in cornstarch to make them crispy!
Looking for more easy Chinese recipes? Try my Coconut Chicken or Wonton Soup next!
About This Recipe
What's your favorite Chinese-American dish? When my wife and I go to the mall, we always get bourbon chicken from this one place, so today, I'm sharing my version of it! Bourbon chicken is probably the farthest away from real Chinese food on the Chinese-American food spectrum. Some dishes, like sweet and sour pork, are just as popular in China, but I don't know if there is anything quite like Bourbon chicken in actual Chinese cuisine.
That said, it's become a staple in lots of Chinese restaurants here. To make it, you cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, coat them in cornstarch for a crispy coating, then deep-fry them (or pan-fry, if you prefer that). The sauce is sweet and sticky, and made with ginger, brown sugar, and of course, some bourbon. If you want to make it kid-friendly, you can also use apple juice!
I love serving this with a side of rice and cooked broccoli- just like how I order my combo at the mall!
Key Ingredients
Chicken Thighs: I recommend chicken thighs because they are juicier than breasts. That said, breasts work perfectly fine in this recipe.
Cornstarch: For coating the chicken pieces. You can also use flour, but I find it is not as crispy.
Oil: For frying the chicken. If you pan-fry, you'll need about 3-4 tablespoons of oil. For deep-frying, I recommend filling the pot with about 1.5 inches of oil- but make sure you have lots of extra space in your pot so the oil doesn't spill over.
Ginger & garlic: This is the base of the sauce. They provide savory depth.
Bourbon sauce: You'll need brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, water, vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Obviously, for authentic bourbon chicken, you'll want to use bourbon, but truthfully, any whiskey will work. For kid-friendly, you can also use apple juice.
Instructions
STEP 1: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
STEP 2: Deep-fry the chicken at 350ยฐF in batches until golden and crispy, or pan-fry in 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
STEP 3: Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix and set aside.
STEP 4: Add the sauce ingredients to a large skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and let it bubble for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
STEP 5: Add the chicken and toss to combine. Enjoy!
๐ Recipe
Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ยผ cup cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (or more for deep-frying)
For the sauce
- โ cup packed brown sugar
- โ cup bourbon (or apple juice)
- ยผ cup water
- ยผ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Deep-fry the chicken at 350ยฐF in batches until golden and crispy, or pan-fry in 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix and set aside.
- Add the sauce ingredients to a large skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and let it bubble for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Add the chicken and toss to combine. Enjoy!
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