What is bourbon chicken sauce made of?

Ingredients

• 3 cloves

  garlic

• 1 (2-inch) piece

  fresh ginger

• 1/2 cup

  apple juice

• 1/4 cup

  low-sodium tamari or soy sauce

• 1/4 cup

  bourbon

• 1/4 cup

  packed light or dark brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons

  rice vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon

  red pepper flakes

• 2 pounds

  boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 2 tablespoons

  cornstarch, divided

• 1 teaspoon

  kosher salt

• 3 tablespoons

  canola or vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons

  cold water

• 2

  large scallions

• Steamed rice, for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Knife and cutting board

• Large nonstick frying pan or flat-bottomed wok

• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Make the sauce. Prepare the following, adding them all to a medium bowl: Mince 3 garlic cloves. Peel and mince a 2-inch piece of ginger until you have 1 tablespoon. Add 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.

2. Coat the chicken in cornstarch. Cut 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into 1-inch chunks, discarding any large pieces of fat, and place in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and toss until evenly coated.

3. Brown the chicken. Heat a flat-bottomed wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil and the chicken and spread into an even layer. (It’s ok if some of the chicken is not touching the bottom of the pan.) Let cook undisturbed until golden-brown and seared on the bottom, 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Simmer in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce mixture. Stir to thoroughly coat the chicken and let simmer until reduced by half, 6 to 9 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl, and thinly slice 2 large scallions.

5. Simmer and thicken the sauce. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir until fully dissolved and combined. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, is glossy, and coats the chicken, 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Garnish and serve over rice. Serve the chicken over rice if desired and garnish with the sliced scallions.

   What is bourbon sauce made of?

   The easy homemade bourbon barbecue sauce starts with onion and garlic sautéed in a bit of oil. Then, the remaining ingredients — ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, and, of course, bourbon — are added. That's it!

   What's bourbon chicken made of?

   The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mix of apple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and bourbon, which adds heat and flavor. The bourbon also helps tenderize the chicken and brings the sauce together. As the sauce cooks, most of the bourbon cooks out and evaporates, leaving behind only a marginal amount.

   Why do they call it bourbon chicken?

   Why Is It Called Bourbon Chicken? Bourbon chicken is named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans (that's why the “Bourbon” in Bourbon chicken” is capitalized). As the story goes, the dish was popularized in a Chinese restaurant that was located on Bourbon Street.

   What does bourbon chicken taste like?

   The sauce's flavor will differ based on the recipe used or the restaurant you visit. However, you should always pick up on sweet, salty, rich, spicy, and tart flavors in a good bourbon chicken. Some claim the sauce tastes like it has a hint of apple juice.