Craving a delicious, flavorful meal that transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans? Look no further! This Bourbon Street Chicken recipe, inspired by the classic Applebee's dish, is easier to make than you think. It's a fantastic option for a quick dinner, a satisfying weekend meal, or even an impressive dish for guests. This recipe is packed with bold Cajun flavors and is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, bringing the vibrant taste of Bourbon Street right to your kitchen table. Get ready to experience the magic!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup bourbon (optional, can substitute with apple cider or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or your favorite side dish, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the Rotel (undrained), chicken broth, bourbon (if using), brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve the Bourbon Street Chicken hot over rice or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your chicken is browned properly; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Thicken the sauce: If your sauce is too thin after simmering, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid. You can also whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to help thicken the sauce.
Delicious Variations:
- Creamy Bourbon Street Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Bourbon Street Chicken with Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an earthy twist.
- Sheet Pan Bourbon Street Chicken: For easy cleanup, roast the chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, then stir in the sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy, healthy, and delicious Bourbon Street Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, bringing the exciting flavors of New Orleans right to your dinner table. Enjoy!