Craving that rich, savory flavor of Denny's famous Bourbon Chicken? Forget the late-night drive and the wait; this copycat recipe brings the deliciousness straight to your kitchen! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade version of a restaurant favorite. It's a healthy-ish, delicious dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup bourbon (can substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step builds flavor and adds great texture.
Step 4: Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon (or chicken broth), soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bourbon chicken immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or brown sugar to taste.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin after simmering, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.
Variations:
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts and serving the dish in 6 portions. Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Denny's Bourbon Chicken Skillet recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious, quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!