Description
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked in a rich, tangy bourbon sauce. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner. The pressure cooking method infuses deep flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and tender, complemented by a thickened sauce finished in the pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken thigh pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot with the chicken and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Pour in the bourbon, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and prevent sticking.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the sauce: Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Stir in the prepared cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the bourbon chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor; be sure not to skip it or substitute with a similar flavorful whisky.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
