What is Bourbon Chicken Sauce Made Of? A Guide to This Sweet and Savory Sauce

Bourbon chicken sauce is a popular sauce commonly found in American Chinese restaurants. Known for its sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavor, this sauce is a crowd-pleaser that can transform ordinary chicken into an addictive dish. But what exactly goes into making this tasty concoction? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that give bourbon chicken sauce its signature flavor profile.

A Brief History of Bourbon Chicken Sauce

American Chinese food often uses bourbon chicken sauce, but the dish’s roots can be found in Louisiana. There is a story that the sauce was first made by Chinese immigrants in New Orleans who wanted to use local flavors in their food.

Drawing inspiration from Creole and Cajun cuisine, these innovators came up with a Chinese-American fusion known as “New Orleans Chinese.” Signature dishes from this style of cooking included General Tso’s chicken, crawfish etouffee egg rolls, and of course, bourbon chicken

The name “bourbon chicken” comes from New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street. As the dish grew in popularity across America in the 1980s and 90s, bourbon chicken became a menu staple at Chinese restaurants and buffets across the country.

Main Ingredients in Bourbon Chicken Sauce

While variations exist, most bourbon chicken sauces contain a similar base of ingredients that give it its signature balance of sweet, salty, boozy, and umami flavors.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds signature sweetness, while also contributing a slight molasses flavor. The sugar balances out the saltiness from the soy sauce.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami or savoriness. Many recipes call for a combo of regular and low-sodium soy sauce to achieve the right sodium level.

Bourbon

Bourbon whiskey gives the sauce its signature boozy kick and vanilla-like aromas. The alcohol cooks off during cooking, leaving behind rich oaky and caramel flavors.

Chicken Stock

The chicken stock gives the sauce body and brings out the meaty, umami flavors. Some recipes use water or vegetable stock instead.

Vinegar

Rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar gives the sauce a bright acidity to balance the richer flavors.

Cornstarch

A slurry of cornstarch and water helps thicken the sauce into that characteristic sticky glaze.

Ginger and Garlic

Minced ginger and garlic provide a subtle spicy aroma and flavor. They add complexity and cut through the sweetness.

Spices and Seasonings

Spices like five-spice powder, white pepper, cayenne, and sesame oil can enhance the flavor.

Cooking the Sauce

To make bourbon chicken sauce, you must first brown small pieces of chicken to seal in the juices. The sauce’s parts are then put together in a pan and cooked down until they form a sticky glaze that covers the chicken.

Key tips for great bourbon chicken sauce:

• Simmer the sauce uncovered to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken.

• Stir frequently to prevent burning on the bottom.

• Once thickened, toss the chicken in the sauce to evenly coat.

• Let the coated chicken simmer briefly to allow flavors to penetrate.

Serving Suggestions for Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken is extremely versatile. Here are some popular ways to serve it:

• Over steamed rice as a main dish

• Tossed with lo mein noodles or chow mein

• Stuffled into scallion pancakes or egg rolls

• Added to fried rice or noodle bowls

• Served as an appetizer with toothpicks

• Added to wraps, sandwiches, or tacos

• Topped on salads or pizza

• Enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer

The sweet and savory sauce pairs well with starchy sides that soak up the sauce. It can also liven up veggie sides like broccoli and carrots.

Make Your Own Bourbon Chicken Sauce

Want to taste the magic of bourbon chicken? It’s simple to make the sauce at home. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄3 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup bourbon
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp minced ginger
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch + 3 Tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil.
3. Whisk in chicken stock. Return chicken to pan and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water. Whisk into sauce until thickened to a glaze-like texture.
5. Toss chicken to coat in sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce sticks to chicken.
6. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

So there you have it – a flavor-packed sauce made with just a few pantry staples. The beauty of bourbon chicken is how simple it is to make at home. Adjust ingredients to suit your taste, get creative with add-ins, and enjoy this American Chinese classic.