My first encounter with Asian bourbon chicken was a delightful surprise during a bustling food festival. The tantalizing aroma drew me in, and the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors left an indelible mark on my taste buds. From that moment, I knew I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen ( just like Vietnamese pho spices, it should be on my weekly menu every morning ).
As someone who values both flavor and nutrition, I set out to craft a healthier version of this beloved dish. By using lean chicken breast and reducing the sugar content, I've managed to retain the essence of Asian bourbon chicken while making it more nutritious.
For my vegan friends, I've discovered that firm tofu or seitan works wonderfully as a protein substitute, soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce just as well. It's a testament to the inclusive nature of cooking, where everyone can partake in the joy of a flavorful meal.
So, let's embark on this culinary adventure together, creating a dish that's not just tasty, but also mindful of our health and ethical choices.
What is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken is a popular American Chinese dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon whiskey. It originated in Chinese restaurants in the U.S., particularly in New Orleans. Typically stir-fried, the chicken is served over rice or noodles, and the dish is known for its rich flavors and aromatic blend of ginger and garlic. Variations exist, including vegetarian options using tofu or seitan.
Asian Bourbon Chicken
- For 4 Servings
- Author: Chris
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Steps:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the bourbon and cook for about 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate. Then, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes:
- For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness by adding more brown sugar or red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Asian Bourbon Chicken Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 20g
What to Serve It with?
Here are some delicious options to serve with Bourbon Chicken:
- Steamed Rice: The classic pairing, white or jasmine rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: For an extra treat, serve it with vegetable or egg fried rice.
- Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles work well to soak up the sauce.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas adds color and nutrition.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers complement the dish perfectly.
- Salad: A light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing can balance the richness of the chicken.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add some tang with pickled cucumbers or radishes for a refreshing contrast.
These sides will enhance your Bourbon Chicken experience! For those looking for the best Asian bourbon chicken recipe, this one strikes the perfect balance of flavors and health benefits. The bourbon Asian chicken provides a deliciously rich taste while keeping nutritional considerations in mind.
#AsianBourbonChicken #AsianBourbonChickenRecipe #TalesOfAKitchen
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C.
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Asian Bourbon Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Asian Food
Description
Discover a healthier Asian bourbon chicken recipe that's bursting with flavor from Tales Of A Kitchen. Perfect for all diets, delicious and comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the bourbon and cook for about 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate. Then, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness by adding more brown sugar or red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
