Bourbon chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that can be found on takeout menus across the country. But what exactly does this mysterious sticky, sweet entrée taste like?
A Brief History of Bourbon Chicken
Despite its name, bourbon chicken did not originate in China The dish was actually invented in Louisiana, with the name referencing the famous New Orleans street, Bourbon Street.
Bourbon chicken became popular throughout Cajun-style Chinese restaurants in the American South in the late 20th century. The trademark sweet and slightly boozy sauce was a hit, and it soon spread to Chinese restaurants nationwide.
The Quintessential Bourbon Chicken Flavor Profile
So what does bourbon chicken taste like? The dominant flavors are sweet and salty with subtle hints of booze and fruit.
The sauce is made by combining bourbon, soy sauce, apple juice or cider, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken stock, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. When this mixture cooks down, it creates a syrupy glaze that coats each piece of juicy, tender chicken.
According to many food bloggers, the bourbon flavor comes through as a pleasant booziness, while the apple juice lends fruity hints of apple and cinnamon. The soy sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup adds savoriness, molasses notes, and balancing acidity.
Overall, the complexity of sweet, salty, fruity, and slightly alcoholic makes for a very moreish sauce!
Optimizing the Bourbon Chicken Experience
To get the most flavor and juice out of your bourbon chicken, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. The darker meat has more fat, keeping it tender and flavorful when drenched in the sticky sauce.
Adding extras like chopped garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes can also punch up the flavor. Serve over a bed of white rice or lo mein noodles to soak up every last drop of the bourbon glaze.
Finally, don’t waste that good bourbon! If you want to cut back on the alcohol, replace some of the bourbon with extra apple juice or cider instead of eliminating it completely.
An Intoxicating (But Not Too Intoxicating) Treat
While the name may conjure images of getting tipsy off your takeout, bourbon chicken won’t actually get you drunk. The alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind just a hint of boozy flavor.
However, it is possible to feel slightly buzzed if you were to quickly wok-fry the dish instead of slowly braising it. So consider yourself warned if you opt for a quicker cooking time!
Overall, bourbon chicken is the ideal balance of sweet, salty, fruity, and just a bit dangerous. Its unique and addictive flavor profile have made it a staple on Chinese takeout menus across America. Just one bite and you’ll understand why.
What Makes This A Family Favorite
Not to toot my own horn, but I like to think all of the recipes around my corner of the kitchen are tasty. It takes something truly special to be considered a family favorite, though. Here’s what sets it apart from the rest:
- It’s fast. Any meal that is ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes is a clear winner in my book. This recipe can be made in under 20 minutes if you’re quick in the kitchen or prepare the sauce ahead of time.
- Make it cheaper than grabbing takeout. I don’t know about you, but the prices to feed a larger family at a restaurant lately are shocking. Give What family the same flavors they love with food court Bourbon Chicken at a fraction of the price.
- The chicken is packed with flavor. We’re not fans of bland food around here. If I serve something alongside a side dish that doesn’t have a lot of flavor (like steamed rice) the chicken has to be absolutely bursting with flavor.
- No alcohol is required. I try to keep an alcohol-free kitchen. The fun of food is that you can learn to create very similar flavor profiles with ingredients that are safe for the whole family to enjoy. Enjoy this Bourbon Chicken recipe without worrying about the alcohol cooking off.
What To Serve With Bourbon Chicken
- Steamed or Fried Rice- No matter how you prefer your rice, it makes the perfect side dish for soaking up the irresistible sauce.
- Lo Mein Noodles- Perfectly seasoned and slightly crispy noodles are always a hit when you serve them alongside this Bourbon Chicken recipe.
- Roasted Vegetables- To keep carbs and calories at a minimum, consider roasting your favorite vegetable medley and topping it with the saucy Bourbon Chicken.
Bourbon Chicken
FAQ
What does Chinese bourbon chicken taste like?
Bourbon chicken has a slightly sweet, tangy, and savory taste with a depth of flavors from the ingredients used in the sauce. What is this?Feb 4, 2024
Does bourbon chicken taste like teriyaki?
Bourbon Chicken is similar to teriyaki since it’s sweet, sticky, and salty. There are a several different ingredients like apple juice, vinegar, ketchup that make this taste distinctly different than teriyaki chicken.
What is bourbon chicken sauce made of?
Bourbon chicken sauce typically includes a combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Common ingredients are bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and often hoisin sauce or ketchup.
What does bourbon actually taste like?
Vanilla and caramel are probably the most common tasting notes people pick up when drinking bourbon. These bourbon flavors are a result of the interaction between the spirit and the charred oak barrels.