By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 10, 2023 | Last Updated on October 10, 2023
Looking for an unforgettable culinary experience that combines the rich, smoky sweetness of bourbon with the savory succulence of chicken? Look no further than the Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken recipe. This dish, a favorite in the renowned Leeann Chin’s repertoire, infuses the tender chicken with a mouthwatering bourbon glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. The recipe is a perfect blend of Eastern flavors meeting Western spirits, resulting in a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner party or family gathering.
With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Chinese-American cuisine right into your kitchen. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the world of flavor with the Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken recipe.
What is Leeann chin bourbon chicken?
Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish that originated from the renowned Chinese-American restaurant chain, Leeann Chin. This dish combines the traditional Chinese flavors with the addition of bourbon, a distinctly American spirit.
The chicken is cooked in a rich and flavorful glaze made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and of course, bourbon. It’s then served over steamed rice, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love this Leeann chin bourbon chicken?
The Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken recipe is loved by many for its unique blend of Eastern and Western flavors. The sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly balances out the tangy soy sauce, while the bourbon adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate the flavors of Leeann Chin’s famous Bourbon Chicken right in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd pleaser – perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying with the family.
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How Does It Taste Like?
The Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken has a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the glaze is rich and flavorful with hints of garlic and ginger. The addition of bourbon adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
When served over steamed rice, the sauce seeps into the grains, creating a deliciously comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts: The star of the dish, chicken is a versatile protein that absorbs the flavors of the marinade. Both thighs and breasts work well, but thighs are often juicier and more flavorful.
- Bourbon: This gives the dish its distinctive flavor. The alcohol in the bourbon cooks off during the cooking process, leaving behind a rich, smoky sweetness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce adds a deep umami flavor and saltiness to the dish, enhancing the other flavors.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds a sweet, caramel note to balance out the salty soy sauce and tangy vinegar. It also helps create a sticky glaze on the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of bold flavor. It’s a common ingredient in many dishes for its unique taste that becomes sweet and mellow when cooked.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: It brings acidity to the dish, which helps balance out the sweetness from the bourbon and brown sugar. It also tenderizes the chicken, making it more succulent.
- Ground Ginger: This provides a warm, spicy undertone that works wonderfully with the other flavors. It’s a common spice in Chinese cooking and pairs well with bourbon.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These add a bit of heat to the dish. The spice level can be adjusted according to personal preference, but a little kick contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory flavors.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. This mixture forms a flavorful marinade with a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Take the chicken and place it in a large zip-top bag.
- Pour half of the prepared marinade into the bag with the chicken.
- Seal the bag tightly, ensuring no air is inside, and then gently massage it to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Let the Chicken Marinate
- Put the sealed bag with the marinating chicken in the refrigerator.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for even more flavorful results, you can marinate it for up to two hours. During this time, the chicken absorbs the marinade’s flavors, making it tastier.
Step 4: Cook the Marinated Chicken
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice browned exterior. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and develops a tasty sear.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
- While the chicken is cooking, take the remaining marinade (not used for marinating the chicken) and pour it into a small saucepan.
- Bring the saucepan to a boil over medium heat.
- Allow the marinade to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens into a glaze. This glaze will intensify the flavors and add a glossy finish to your dish.
Step 6: Rest and Slice the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet.
- Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist.
- After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces for serving.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the cooked chicken over steamed rice.
- Drizzle the prepared glaze on top of the chicken. This adds a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Garnish your dish with green onions, sesame seeds, or any other toppings of your choice. These toppings provide additional texture and flavor to your flavorful chicken dish.
Tips
- For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. The dark meat stays juicy and tender even after being cooked in the glaze.
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat fully.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan to cook the chicken. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning or sticking.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and moist.
Nutrition Information
How to store Leeann’s chin bourbon chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and glaze in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through.
You can also freeze cooked Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using the same method as above. The texture may be slightly different after being frozen, but the flavors will still be delicious.
What other substitute can I use for Leeann’s chin bourbon chicken?
- If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute it with whiskey or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Tamari or coconut aminos can be used in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar to add sweetness to the glaze.
- Fresh ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a more intense, fresh flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or even some sriracha to the marinade.
Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag and add half of the marinade. Seal and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to two hours. Save the remaining marinade.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned.
- In a saucepan, simmer the remaining marinade for about 10 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve chicken over steamed rice. Drizzle with the glaze. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or desired toppings.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. The dark meat stays juicy and tender even after being cooked in the glaze.
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat fully.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan to cook the chicken. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning or sticking.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and moist.
FAQs
1. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in this recipe?
If you want to avoid alcohol, you could try using apple juice or chicken broth instead of bourbon. While these won’t provide the same depth of flavor as bourbon, they can still make a tasty dish.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or a meat substitute. Make sure to press the tofu before marinating to ensure it absorbs maximum flavor.
Is this dish spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
The heat in this dish primarily comes from the red pepper flakes, so you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less of them. Remember, it’s easier to add more heat than to take it away, so start with a smaller amount if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Leeann Chin Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a hint of smokiness from bourbon. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that can be served with steamed rice and your choice of toppings for a complete and satisfying dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in.
So next time you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to try, give this one a go – your taste buds will thank you! Share your experience with us and let us know your favorite toppings and substitutes.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
