Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant wait? This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, flavorful bourbon sauce – all ready in under 30 minutes! It's a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste, making it an ideal quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family with this delicious dish, a true testament to the power of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup bourbon (use a good quality one!)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. This step helps develop a deeper flavor.
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Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, you can easily thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce and cook on the "Sauté" function for a minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bourbon chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken:
- Don't skip the searing: Searing the chicken adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use good quality bourbon: The bourbon is a key ingredient, so choose one you enjoy the taste of.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it later.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Include your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with pork, beef, or tofu.
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar for a sweet and sour variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, offering healthy meals that taste amazing. Enjoy!