Cajun Bourbon Chicken
This Cajun Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, sweet, and spicy dish inspired by classic Louisiana cuisine. Made with tender chicken thighs, a rich bourbon-infused sauce, and bold Cajun seasoning, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. Serve it over rice for a restaurant-quality dish at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the bourbon, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to the sauce. Stir and let it thicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/cajun-bourbon-chicken/
