Leeann Chin is an iconic figure in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Since her first restaurant opened in 1980, Leeann has been serving up delicious Chinese cuisine to Minnesotans for over 40 years!

Her classic bourbon chicken dish is a favorite among many locals, and now I’m sharing my easy-to-follow instructions so you can recreate this succulent dish in your own kitchen.

This article is an adaptation of the original served at Leeann Chin restaurants, so you can be sure that it’s authentic and full of flavor! Grab some chicken, bourbon, and other pantry staples, and let’s get cooking!

Want more Bourbon Chicken Recipe? Try this: Panda Express blazing bourbon chicken recipe

What is Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken?

Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s typically made with chicken, bourbon whiskey, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other spices. The chicken is marinated in the flavorful mixture before it’s stir-fried or baked until cooked through.

The resulting dish is sweet, savory, and packed full of flavor. The bourbon gives the dish a unique smokiness and depth of flavor, while the soy sauce adds a salty umami taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar in the marinade.

The Bourbon Chicken is also incredibly versatile and can be served as part of a meal or appetizer. It’s also great for barbecues, parties, and potlucks.

How did I first get introduced to Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken?

I first got introduced to Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken when I moved from my hometown of San Francisco to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. As a newcomer, it didn’t take me too long to discover the iconic restaurant chain that is Leeann Chin.

When I heard about the chain’s famous bourbon chicken dish, I had to try it. After my first bite, I was hooked! The succulent pieces of chicken were well-seasoned and full of flavor. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors was absolutely delicious.

It didn’t take me long to realize that I could recreate this dish at home. So I set out on a mission to find the perfect recipe for Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken and create it in my own kitchen. After much experimentation, I finally found one that tasted just like the real thing.

I’m pleased to share with you my version of Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken. It has all the flavor and texture of the original dish, but with a few modifications to make it more accessible for home cooks. I hope you enjoy this recipe just as much as I do!

How to make Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken?

Making this classic Chinese-American dish at home is surprisingly easy. All you need are a few pantry staples and follow my simple instructions.

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Ingredients

• Apple cider vinegar: this provides a slightly tangy flavor to the dish
• Red pepper flakes: adds a bit of heat and spice
• Brown sugar: this sweetens up the sauce and adds some caramelization when cooked
• Bourbon: adds a unique depth of flavor to the meal, as well as a hint of smokiness
• Ground ginger: this helps to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients and provides a subtle warming note to the dish
• Chicken thighs or breasts: which one you use is up to you! Thighs will provide more fat, while breasts are leaner. Either way, make sure it’s fully cooked before serving.
• Garlic: adds a slight pungency and spice to this dish
• Soy sauce: adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish that can’t be replicated with any other ingredient.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Prepare the chicken,

• Cut the chicken into cubes
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper

Step 2

Prepare the sauce

• In a medium bowl, mix together apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, bourbon, ginger, and garlic.
• Add soy sauce and whisk together until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 3

Cook the chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken cubes to it.
• Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through.

Step 4

Add the sauce to the chicken

• Pour in the prepared sauce and stir together.
• Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken cubes.

Step 5

Serve

• Serve the chicken with a side of your favorite vegetables or rice for a complete meal!

Notes:

• For added flavor and heat, add more red pepper flakes as desired.
• The chicken can also be cooked in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until cooked through.
• If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can use whiskey or apple juice instead.
• To reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. 
• This dish also tastes great with pork or other proteins like shrimp and beef!

Nutrition Information

What to serve with Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken?

Here are some delicious sides that pair perfectly with Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken:

• Rice or noodles: these provide a great base for the dish while absorbing the flavorful sauce.
• Stir-fried vegetables: these add a hint of crunch and freshness to the meal, as well as additional nutrients.
• Baked potatoes: this hearty side dish pairs perfectly with the chicken and makes for a filling meal.
• Coleslaw: this cool, crunchy salad provides a nice contrast to the spiciness of the chicken.
• Cornbread: this classic Southern side will round out your meal with a touch of sweetness.

How to store leftover Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken?

Leftovers of Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Alternatively, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re looking for a way to make your leftovers more exciting, try adding some fresh vegetables or herbs for extra flavor and texture.

For example, you can stir-fry some broccoli or mushrooms with the leftovers for a quick and easy meal. You can also add freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to liven up the dish. With just a few simple tweaks, you can turn your leftovers into something totally new and delicious!

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat this dish. However, it’s always important to practice caution when consuming any type of alcohol during pregnancy.

The bourbon used in this recipe is cooked off during the cooking process and therefore has no effect on the overall alcohol content of the dish.

That being said, some pregnant women may want to avoid eating foods with alcohol altogether. In this case, you can simply omit the bourbon from the dish and still enjoy a delicious dish!

Just be sure to substitute it with an equal amount of liquid such as chicken broth or apple juice. That way, you’ll still get all the flavor without any worries.

FAQs 

Wrapping Up

I hope you enjoyed my version of Leeann Chin’s Bourbon Chicken. So don’t wait any longer – get cooking and enjoy this flavorful dish with your friends and family!

Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Thank you for reading.

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