You might think I'm crazy, but there was always one food court item that would catch my attention, usually because someone was hocking it outside their counter on tiny toothpicks yelling "sample!!!" I would partake about 99% of the time because these little nuggets were just so darn good. And then I'd order myself a plate of them with fried rice. Mmmmm... Perhaps you already know of what I speak? Oh yes, my friends, I'm talking about bourbon chicken.
Bourbon chicken at the mall contains no bourbon. You probably knew that already. It's kind of like how Juicy Fruit gum doesn't taste like fruit. Names can be misleading! I've read that bourbon chicken was actually named for Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but I've been there multiple times and never laid eyes on this dish. It's a mystery, people.
I can tell you that putting this dish together is not mysterious at all. It's extremely straightforward and easy. Now our food court cravings will cease as we can enjoy this dish in our own homes! Eureka!
Grab a package of your steadfast pal: boneless skinless chicken breast. They're always there for you when you need them, aren't they? Such a friendly, giving sort of meat. Using either a knife or kitchen shears (fancy word for scissors), cut the chicken into bite sized pieces. Into a deep skillet under medium high heat, add a couple teaspoons of olive oil. Chuck your chicken in there to brown each piece.
While the chicken cooks, whisk the following together in a bowl: a couple crushed garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of apple juice (I used hard cider), 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. ketchup, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp. cornstarch.
All mixed together
=
If you really wanted to, I'm sure you could add a bit of bourbon as well. Or Siracha if you like things spicy. Easy so far, yes?Once your chicken is browned up a bit, add the contents of the bowl directly into the pan. Let it come to a boil and then drop the heat to a simmer. We'll let that hang out for 20 minutes.
The sauce will thicken up nicely and coat every bit of the chicken. Now you've got dinner, and in only about a half hour! Wowzers. I'm feeling like Rachel Ray or something. Sam's 30 minute meals...has a nice ring to it! I find this tasty treat is best served over rice and with broccoli as both sides help soak up some of this yummy sauce. Check it out:
Mall food - revamped! And we didn't even have to leave home or deal with maddening crowds or fight our way up to the sample platter. You're welcome.
Try it. You'll like it.
-Sam
Bourbon Chicken
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. ketchup
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp. cornstarch
Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients until well blended. Add contents of the bowl to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes uncovered. Serve over rice.
