Bourbon Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Journey of Flavor

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Bourbon Chicken is a delectable dish that blends the sweetness of brown sugar and the umami of soy sauce with the smoky, rich undertones of bourbon. This dish is perfect for those looking to add a bit of excitement to their usual chicken recipes. Originating from Chinese chefs in Louisiana, this fusion dish has now become a beloved favorite, showcasing the best of both worlds.

Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Deglaze with Bourbon:
Pour the bourbon into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the bourbon to cook off slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Remaining Sauce Ingredients:
Add the soy sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the sauce is boiling, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat all the pieces in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Serve:
Garnish the Bourbon Chicken with chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Enjoy the sweet and savory flavor journey of this Bourbon Chicken dish – a perfect combination of rich, diverse tastes that’s sure to delight your palate!
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