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I'm about to show you the magic of my favorite weeknight solution - this instant pot bourbon chicken recipe. We're talking tender chicken bites in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, all made in a flash in the ever-dependable instant pot. Perfect for those busy nights when takeout tempts, but you crave the satisfaction of homemade. Can't wait to share it with you - let's get cooking.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
- Chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful dark meat that adds richness and juiciness to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bourbon chicken.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce for a sticky and delicious coating on the chicken.
- Bourbon: Infuses a warm, smoky flavor into the dish, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Ketchup: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity, creating a well-rounded sauce.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
- Ginger: Offers a fresh and slightly spicy kick that brightens up the dish and adds a zesty note.
- Red pepper flakes: Provides a hint of heat that elevates the flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to create a glossy and velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Water: Helps to dissolve the cornstarch and adjust the consistency of the sauce for the perfect texture.
- Green onions: Adds a pop of freshness and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the visual appeal and taste of the dish.
- Sesame seeds: Offers a nutty and toasty flavor, as well as a crunchy texture that complements the tender chicken.
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Recipe Guide
Essential Tools for Making This Delicious Dish
- Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the chicken quickly and infusing flavors efficiently.
- Knife: Needed to cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the chicken and prevents cross-contamination.
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe Guide
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup bourbon
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Read more: Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Guide
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once done, do a quick pressure release and open the lid.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chicken mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Select the sauté function and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the bourbon chicken over rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes:
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips for Making Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the bourbon chicken as directed in the recipe.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the bourbon chicken as directed in the recipe.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Bourbon chicken is not actually made with bourbon whiskey, but rather derived its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it was first created.
Common Questions About This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this recipe. Just be mindful that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs in the Instant Pot.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe or opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free alternative.
Can I omit the bourbon in this bourbon chicken recipe?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon if you prefer. You can substitute it with chicken broth or water for a non-alcoholic version.
How long does it take to cook this bourbon chicken in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time for this recipe is 8 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot, but keep in mind the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make this bourbon chicken ahead of time and reheat it later. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.
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