One-Skillet Bourbon Chicken

4.7

(18)

14 Reviews

Bourbon chicken gets coated in a slightly sweet-spicy sauce for a flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Liv Dansky

Updated on April 24, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian

Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Dairy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

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Ingredients

¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup bourbon
¼ cup unsweetened apple juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips
1 tablespoon cornstarch, plus 1 teaspoon, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons water
3 cups cooked brown rice
Sliced scallions, for garnish

Directions

Combine soy sauce, bourbon, apple juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.
Toss together chicken and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a large bowl. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the soy-bourbon mixture; stir to coat. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce has reduced to a syrupy consistency and the chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
Combine water and the remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a small bowl; stir to mix well. Add to the pan; cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, 1 to 2 minutes.
Divide rice among 4 plates; top with the chicken and sauce. Garnish with scallions, if desired.

Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee

Equipment

Large nonstick skillet

To make ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chicken thighs healthy?

Chicken thighs are a great source of high-quality protein and the micronutrient selenium, as well as a good source of zinc and vitamin B12. Chicken thighs also have tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps raise the feel-good brain chemical serotonin, supporting a more positive mood.
Is brown rice good for you?

Brown rice is a gluten-free whole grain that offers plenty of nutrition in the form of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and micronutrients, including B vitamins and phosphorous. The fiber and protein in brown rice helps make this dish full and satisfying.
Do the spices in this recipe add any nutrition?

Herbs and spices come from plants and like all plants, offer a wide array of nutrients, antioxidants and health benefits. For example, garlic is associated with lower blood pressure and stronger immunity, and ginger can soothe nausea. Both garlic and ginger have been shown to reduce inflammation, as well.
Is there a substitute for the bourbon?

If you don't have bourbon, you can use whisky, rum or unsweetened apple juice instead.
Why coat the chicken in cornstarch?

Coating the chicken in cornstarch might seem like an extra step, but the reward is twofold: It gives the chicken a crispy exterior and also thickens the sauce. Use a large nonstick skillet to ensure the chicken isn't overcrowded during cooking.
What can I serve with One-Skillet Bourbon Chicken?

We recommend serving our bourbon chicken with cooked brown rice and a veggie stir-fry. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
What is bourbon chicken?

Bourbon chicken is a dish named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans and also for the bourbon in the ingredients list. It can often be found on menus at Chinese-American restaurants.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Jan Valdez

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, October 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

521	Calories
15g	Fat
48g	Carbs
40g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 4 oz. chicken & 3/4 cup rice
Calories 521
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 48g	17%
Dietary Fiber 3g	11%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 40g	80%
Total Fat 15g	19%
Saturated Fat 2g	10%
Cholesterol 136mg	45%
Vitamin A 47IU	1%
Sodium 732mg	32%
Potassium 226mg	5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.