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Bourbon Chicken

Discover the secret to making mouthwatering Bourbon Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any level of cooking skill.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Chill Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Keyword: Bourbon Chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 488kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil and more as needed
  • 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs rinsed and patted dry
  • 1 Tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Poultry Seasoning

For the Sauce:

  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup Hoisin Sauce
  • ⅓ cup Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar

Instructions

  • Prep the Chicken: Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl then add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  • Cook the Chicken: Pour olive into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until well charred and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in ⅓ cup hoisin sauce, ⅓ cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce: While the sauce is simmering, slice the chicken into small bite sized pieces then return to the skillet, tossing to coat all the pieces evenly in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
  • Serve: Serve your Bourbon Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. It goes great with rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Store your Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve the best taste and texture.
You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs a little loosening up.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can this be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and marinate it overnight. This makes Bourbon Chicken a fantastic option for meal prepping or for those nights when you want a quick yet delicious dinner.

Substitutions & Variations:

  • No Hoisin? Use BBQ sauce as a substitute.
  • Like it Spicy? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the mix.

Helpful Cooking Notes:

  • Searing the Chicken: Don’t shy away from getting a good char on your chicken. It adds a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible.
  • Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is your friend here.