If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal, look no further than Bourbon Chicken. This Chinese-American dish is sweet, savory, and loaded with flavor. Plus, with only 351 calories per serving (3 oz), it's a great way to indulge without overdoing it.

To make Bourbon Chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken thighs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and of course, bourbon. But don't worry, the alcohol cooks out during the cooking process, so it's safe for the whole family to enjoy.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Bourbon Chicken, from its history to its health benefits. Plus, we'll provide you with some tips and tricks for making the perfect dish every time.

What is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is a Chinese-American dish that originated in Louisiana in the 1970s. It's a sweet and savory dish that features chunks of chicken cooked in a rich, brown sauce. The dish gets its name from the addition of bourbon, which gives it a unique flavor that's not quite like anything else. While Bourbon Chicken is often served in Chinese restaurants, it's not necessarily an authentic Chinese dish. Instead, it's a fusion of Chinese and American flavors that has become popular across the United States. If you've never tried Bourbon Chicken before, you're in for a treat. It's a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

The Ingredients of Bourbon Chicken

To make Bourbon Chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Chicken thighs
• Cornstarch
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Bourbon
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Most of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. The chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breast if you prefer, but the thighs are more flavorful and tender.

Nutritional Value of Bourbon Chicken

One serving (3 oz) of Bourbon Chicken contains:

• calories: 351
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 764 mg

While Bourbon Chicken is not as healthy as a salad or grilled chicken, it's still a reasonable option for an indulgence now and then. To make it healthier, you can use less sugar or substitute the honey with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.

How to Cook Bourbon Chicken?

Here's how to make Bourbon Chicken:

1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and bourbon. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds and serve hot.

That's it! Bourbon Chicken is a quick and easy dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

The History of Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is a relatively new dish, first created in the 1970s in Louisiana. The exact origin is unclear, but it's believed to be a fusion of Chinese and American flavors that was popularized by Chinese immigrants in the southern United States. Today, Bourbon Chicken is served in Chinese restaurants across the country, as well as in food courts and fast food chains like Panda Express. While it may not be the most authentic Chinese dish, Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and beloved part of Chinese-American cuisine.

Variations of Bourbon Chicken

While the traditional recipe for Bourbon Chicken is pretty straightforward, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier dish.
• Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: Make this dish even easier by cooking it in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook for a few hours.
• Bourbon Chicken Salad: Turn this dish into a salad by serving it over greens and adding some chopped vegetables.

Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things with this versatile dish.

Best Sides to Serve with Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with some sides, here are a few ideas:

• Steamed rice
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Mixed vegetables

Any of these sides would be a great complement to the sweet and savory flavors of Bourbon Chicken.

Popular Restaurants that Serve Bourbon Chicken

If you don't feel like cooking, you can always head to a restaurant to enjoy some delicious Bourbon Chicken. Here are a few popular chains that serve this dish:

• Panda Express
• Cajun Cafe
• Auntie Anne's
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
• Zaxby's

Of course, you can also find Bourbon Chicken at many local Chinese restaurants around the country.

Tips to Make the Perfect Bourbon Chicken

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Bourbon Chicken possible:

• Use chicken thighs for the most flavorful and tender meat.
• Cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Don't overcook the chicken, or it will become tough and dry.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more or less sugar or honey.

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to make a delicious batch of Bourbon Chicken every time.

The Health Benefits of Bourbon Chicken

While Bourbon Chicken is not the healthiest meal option out there, it does have a few redeeming qualities. For example, chicken is a good source of protein, and the sauce is made with ingredients like garlic and ginger, which have health benefits of their own. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can make a few adjustments to the recipe. For example, use less sugar or substitute honey with a natural sweetener. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables to add some extra nutrients and fiber to your meal. Overall, while you shouldn't rely on Bourbon Chicken as a staple in your diet, it can be a delicious and satisfying treat now and then.