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

A lot of American Chinese restaurants serve bourbon chicken sauce, which is a popular sauce. This sauce is popular because it tastes sweet, savory, and a little boozy. It can turn plain chicken into an addicting dish. What exactly goes into this tasty mixture, though? Let’s take a closer look at the things that give bourbon chicken sauce its unique flavor.

A Brief History of Bourbon Chicken Sauce

While bourbon chicken sauce is a staple in American Chinese cuisine, its origins can actually be traced back to Louisiana. According to legend, the sauce was first created by Chinese immigrants living in New Orleans as a way to incorporate local flavors into their cooking.

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 gives it its signature sweetness and a hint of 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

The sauce’s signature boozy kick and vanilla-like smell come from bourbon whiskey. During cooking, the alcohol is burned off, leaving behind rich caramel and oaky tastes.

Chicken Stock

Chicken stock provides body to the sauce and enhances its meaty, umami notes. 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

Making bourbon chicken sauce involves first browning bite-size chicken pieces to seal in the juices. The sauce ingredients are then combined in a pan and reduced down to a syrupy glaze that coats 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

Salty and sweet sauce goes well with starchy sides that soak up the sauce. It can also make broccoli and carrots taste better.

Make Your Own Bourbon Chicken Sauce

Want to get in on the magic of bourbon chicken? Making the sauce at home is easy. 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.