Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken features tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce with garlic, soy, brown sugar, and vinegar—easy, flavorful, and perfect over rice or potatoes.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes for serving
- Sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce Base:
- In a medium mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the chicken broth and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Add brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is fully incorporated and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the vegetable oil and minced garlic. Cook while stirring continuously for approximately 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
Deglaze with Bourbon:
- Pour the bourbon and apple cider vinegar into the pot. Bring to a boil, allowing the liquid to reduce by half—this typically takes about 2 minutes. Stir occasionally to deglaze the bottom of the pot and release any flavorful bits.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the pot, followed by the prepared sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is coated evenly.
Pressure Cook:
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes. Allow for a natural release as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once complete, carefully remove the lid.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Activate the Sauté function once again. Simmer the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches a thick, glossy, gravy-like consistency.
Serve:
- Distribute cooked rice or mashed potatoes onto plates. Spoon the bourbon chicken over the base and garnish with freshly sliced scallions.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari or coconut aminos) and gluten-free ketchup. Also, double-check that your chicken broth and bourbon are gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives that are not suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.