How to make Bourbon Chicken - Chef Kendra's Easy Cooking!

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make Bourbon Chicken, a delicious dish that captures the flavors of a popular mall favorite. This easy recipe, demonstrated by Chef Kendra, serves four and is perfect for a family meal or gathering. Let's dive into the cooking process and create a flavorful dish that everyone will love!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

• Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, chopped

Practical Tips

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Dice the chicken thighs evenly to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken to achieve a golden brown color.

1. Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken thighs to the skillet.
3. Cook the chicken until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce for added flavor.

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • 2 cloves chopped garlic
   • ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
   • ½ cup water
   • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
   • ⅓ cup soy sauce
   • ¼ cup apple juice
   • 2 tablespoons ketchup
   • 2 tablespoons bourbon
   • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
   • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
   • ½ teaspoon chopped ginger

2. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

Practical Tips

• Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your preference.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, it's time to combine it with the sauce.

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
2. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Real-World Applications

• This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Conclusion

You have successfully made Bourbon Chicken! This dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot with your choice of sides and enjoy the delicious results. For more recipes or cooking tips, consider checking out Chef Kendra's channel or her cookbook for additional inspiration!