Rustic Bourbon Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a dish that brings a touch of Southern comfort to your dinner table, this Rustic Bourbon Chicken is your answer. It's a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy dish that captures the essence of home-cooked warmth with a hint of indulgence.

Ingredients for Rustic Bourbon Chicken

Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender through the cooking process. Bourbon adds a rich, smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Soy sauce provides a salty umami base, while brown sugar balances it with sweetness. Apple cider vinegar brings a tangy element that cuts through the richness. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger introduce aromatic warmth. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, creating a silky texture. Vegetable oil helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken, and crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Finally, sliced green onions provide a fresh, bright finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra depth, marinate the chicken in the bourbon mixture for an hour before cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer after adding the cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic bourbon chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or carrots, would complement the rich flavors well, providing a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be aware that they might cook faster and could dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this dish spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste or omit them entirely.

Rustic Bourbon Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl. This will be your flavorful sauce. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for about 4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.

With the chicken seared, pour the bourbon mixture over it. Bring it to a gentle simmer—this helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for about 20 minutes. Remember to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly in the sauce.

After the chicken has cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the skillet, letting it thicken the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the thickened sauce over the top to coat it thoroughly.

Before serving, sprinkle the dish with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Combines the depth of bourbon with the sweetness of brown sugar.
  • The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
  • Uses simple ingredients that pack a punch.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, and ginger.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet and sear on both sides until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
4. Pour the bourbon mixture over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate.
7. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the skillet, stirring to thicken the sauce.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
9. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and sliced green onions before serving.

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