Saucy Bourbon Rooster - The Keep At Residence Chef

We are able to’t get sufficient of this Saucy Bourbon Rooster and neither will you. This tangy, spicy but candy sauce is the true star of the present right here. Serve it up with white rice or chow mein noodles, and add steamed veggies for a whole meal that’s prepared in half-hour.

For extra Bourbon recipes, strive Chef Cayt’s Famous Apple Bourbon Caramel Sauce.

Why Our Recipe

Candy, sticky, and performed in half-hour which is even quicker than takeout.
Juicy rooster smothered in a sauce that can go away you desirous to lick the plate clear.
Devour it plain or serve it over steamed rice, chow mein, or rice noodles.

Overhead shot of Bourbon chicken on a plate of rice with bourbon in background.

New Orleans is among the greatest cities on this planet for meals with taste. It’s a spot the place a bunch of various cuisines have fused collectively to create a number of the greatest flavors. This one is a fusion of Cajun and Chinese language cooking and Cajun delicacies itself is a mix of Native American, West African, French, and Spanish cuisines. New Orleans simply takes one of the best from every little thing and places it collectively. This dish has a candy and spicy sauce that can make your style buds tremendous pleased! I like the bourbon as a result of it provides a deep richness to the sauce—add a little bit or loads! And for those who don’t have bourbon available, we have now a straightforward substitute choice for you.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients used to make Bourbon Chicken.

Rooster: Minimize the rooster into even bite-size items. We use boneless skinless rooster thighs as a result of they’re juicy, however you should use rooster breasts for a leaner choice.
Cooking Oil: You need to use any impartial cooking oil like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives one of the best taste, however jarred minced garlic works if that’s what you’ve received.
Sesame Oil: Situated within the Asian meals aisle of the grocery retailer. We go along with untoasted right here as a result of we cook dinner with it, whereas toasted sesame oil is for ending.
Rooster Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium choice means that you can greatest management the flavour—it’s a terrific chef tip.
Orange Juice: Provides a sweetness and tang to the sauce. No want for freshly squeezed, however you may.
Brown Sugar: Provides caramelization, will increase the sweetness, and balances out the orange juice and bourbon. Use mild or darkish brown sugar.
Bourbon: The vast majority of the alcohol cooks off so it’s thought of secure to serve to anybody, however for those who desire to cook dinner with out alcohol, you may substitute with apple juice with a little bit bit vinegar combined in.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is an effective choice for controlling the salt ranges, however your commonplace soy sauce is what we’ve utilized in recipe growth. Coconut aminos may also be used.
Pink Pepper Flakes: These add only a trace of warmth. Double it if you wish to convey extra warmth, or go away it out totally for those who aren’t into spicy.
Inexperienced Onion: Offers a pop of coloration and a little bit delicate onion chew.

Rooster Choices

We love utilizing boneless, skinless rooster thighs. They’ve simply sufficient fats to remain juicy and flavorful, even for those who by chance overcook them a little bit.

Rooster breasts will work too. Simply take into account that they cook dinner quicker and may dry out extra simply. You’ll need to watch them a little bit extra carefully and goal to tug them off the warmth as quickly as they hit 165°F.

Cooking with Bourbon

Bourbon is what offers this dish its signature taste. It provides a slight smokiness and sweetness. It additionally helps tenderize the rooster whereas it cooks. And don’t fear, many of the alcohol cooks off through the simmer, so all you’re left with is wealthy taste and it’s thought of completely secure to serve to anybody.

For these wanting an alcohol-free choice, you may nonetheless make a scrumptious bourbon rooster with out the bourbon. Apple juice is our favourite substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar combined in. It offers an identical sweetness with just a bit fruitiness and the vinegar mimics the bitter punch of alcohol.

Overhead shot of Bourbon chicken in skillet.

Gradual Cooker Variation

Need to make this one in a gradual cooker? Put together your sauce and brown the rooster on the stovetop totally first. Add browned rooster and sauce to the gradual cooker and cook dinner on low for five hours, or excessive for 3 hours.

Wok or Skillet

Chef Cayt loves utilizing a wok for saucy recipes like this one, however it’s not required. A wok’s excessive, sloped sides make it simple to toss and stir every little thing collectively with out spilling, and so they assist the sauce cling to each piece of rooster. It additionally heats up rapidly and evenly, which suggests your rooster cooks quick and your sauce reduces superbly with out burning.

A 12-inch skillet will completely get the job performed. Simply make sure that it’s massive sufficient to offer every little thing a little bit house so the rooster sears as a substitute of steams. Use what you’ve received, and the outcomes will nonetheless be scrumptious.