Craving applebee’s bourbon chicken? here’s the secret to making it at home!
What To Know
- Add 1/4 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweeter and more garlicky flavor.
- Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple to the skillet along with the chicken for a tropical twist.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the skillet and stir until thickened.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Applebee’s iconic Bourbon Chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of creating this beloved dish that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Gather Your Culinary Arsenal
Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
Season and Brown the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour to coat evenly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Deglaze the Pan and Add the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Pour the bourbon into the skillet and bring to a boil. Cook until the bourbon has reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, Dijon mustard, water, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Return the Chicken and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Serve and Savor
Serve the Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles with your favorite sides. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that have made this dish an Applebee’s staple.
Tips for Perfection
- For a more intense bourbon flavor, use a higher quality bourbon.
- If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your desired sweetness level.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations on the Classic
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon of Sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Honey Garlic Bourbon Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweeter and more garlicky flavor.
- Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple to the skillet along with the chicken for a tropical twist.
The Final Verdict: Applebee’s Bourbon Chicken Perfection
With patience and precision, you can recreate the beloved flavors of Applebee’s Bourbon Chicken in your own kitchen. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the skillet and stir until thickened.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the Bourbon Chicken up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
