Flavorful and Irresistible: Bourbon Chicken Skillet Dish
Welcome to my kitchen, where you’ll find nothing but the finest ingredients and flavors. Today, I’m excited to share with you my own spin on Denny’s famous Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard barbecue with your friends.
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner ideas with a juicy and healthy chicken dish, look no further. My version of this iconic recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts filleted in half, thinly sliced onions and bell peppers sautéed with garlic and ginger, and tossed in a savory bourbon sauce made with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Making this bourbon chicken skillet is easy, and the result is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will make your taste buds dance Bourbon Street-style. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) can be stored and reheated easily, making it an excellent option for meal prep or lunch the next day.
So let’s get started! Follow my simple steps below to whip up the best copycat bourbon chicken skillet recipe you’ll ever try. Get ready to impress your guests with this sizzling and mouth-watering dish that will transport them right into Denny’s restaurant dining room.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a recipe that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Well, look no further! This Denny’s Copycat Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is just what you need.
Firstly, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a cozy dinner with your family, a romantic dinner with your loved one, or hosting a dinner party with friends. Everyone will enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of this dish.
Secondly, the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available at any grocery store or marketplace. You won’t have to worry about spending hours searching for rare ingredients.
Thirdly, this recipe is simple and easy to make. Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you can still impress your guests with this delicious dish. All you need is a skillet medium-high heat, some boneless chicken breasts, and the bourbon sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, ginger, garlic clove and crushed red pepper flakes.
And last but not least, the combination of garlic, ginger, chicken stock and bourbon soy sauce creates a unique depth of flavor that makes every bite enjoyable.
Overall, with its ease of preparation and incredible taste combination it’s not hard to see why this dish has become such a hit at Denny’s restaurant and even on TripAdvisor. Try out this recipe today for an unforgettable meal!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to get your hands on before diving into this delicious Denny’s copycat bourbon chicken skillet recipe. I have divided the list of ingredients into three groups: main ingredients, sauce ingredients, and vegetables.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, filleted in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup bourbon
Vegetables:
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch)
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch)
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets (optional)
Don’t worry if it seems like a long list! These are all easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients listed in the previous section, let’s dive into the recipe how-to. This Denny’s Copycat Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is straightforward and easy to make. Once you get started, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before moving toward the cooking process, make sure you have cut two pounds of boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Then, slice thinly one onion and two bell peppers.
Tip: Fillet your chicken half or have it done for an easier time preparing it.
Step 2: Brown Chicken and Vegetables
First, heat a skillet to medium-high with olive oil (1/2 tbsp). After a minute, put the chicken pieces in the skillet and brown them. Remove them from the pan afterward and set them aside. In the same skillet, add canola oil (1/2 tbsp) followed by the sliced onions and bell peppers.
Continuously stir for about five minutes until they are cooked well enough to your taste.
Tip: Skinless and boneless chicken thighs also work great as substitutions for chicken breasts.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken Sauce
We are halfway there! Mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of water, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of ketchup until fully combined.
Afterward, add one-fourth cup of light brown sugar and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. Stir it until all ingredients blend well.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Now for the action part: Put everything together into the skillet! Add back in the browned chicken and pour over your prepared sauce combination. Add in one minced garlic clove and one teaspoon of grated ginger too. Pour half a cup of chicken stock as well as 2 oz. of bourbon (for an adult-portioned meal) into it.
Mix everything together evenly, then cook at medium-high heat for ten minutes or so,
Tip: Add broccoli or other vegetables if trying to increase food options or if looking to add more healthy veggies into this dish.
Final Steps
Once done cooking, serve sizzling hot with rice, mashed potatoes or any side dish that suits you best! The aroma alone is enough to make mouths water while waiting for everyone to finally dig in!
Enjoy this mouth-watering Denny’s Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe at home rather than waiting for hours in line outside Denny’s restaurant just to try it out; besides when served on your home table can be as good or better than at their establishment even without parmesan chicken sizzlin skillet side dish!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, it’s always fun to play around with different ingredients and try new flavor combinations. With this Denny’s Copycat Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can make to switch things up.
Firstly, if you’re not a huge fan of chicken breasts, you could always try using chicken thighs instead. The dark meat of the chicken will add a richer and more intense flavor to the dish.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could also substitute the canola oil for olive oil or avocado oil. These oils are high in healthy monounsaturated fats and have a lower smoking point than canola oil, making them better for cooking at higher temperatures in the skillet.
Additionally, if you’re not a big fan of broccoli or bell peppers, you could swap them out for other veggies like asparagus or green beans. You could even add some pineapple chunks to the mix for a sweet and tangy twist on the classic recipe.
For those who are looking for an alcohol-free version of this recipe, simply leave out the bourbon and add more chicken stock instead. The dish will still have plenty of tangy and sweet flavors from the soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar sauce combination.
Whether you’re looking to switch things up or cater to dietary restrictions, these substitutions and variations will help you make this recipe your own. So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients!
Serving and Pairing
So, you’ve nailed it, the perfect bourbon chicken skillet! But what’s the best way to serve and pair it? Let me help you with that.
I personally recommend serving this dish immediately after cooking. That way, it can be enjoyed hot when its flavors are at their peak. Top the chicken and vegetables with some chopped scallions or cilantro to add a fresh taste and color to the dish.
When it comes to pairing, there are multiple routes you can take. If you’re looking for something light, visual a fresh green salad with a citrus dressing would pair perfectly with this dish. You could also stick with an Asian theme and serve it alongside steamed rice or noodles to soak up all of that delicious sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a culinary creation out of Bourbon chicken, like chicken sandwiches or wraps. The leftovers reheated in the oven have enough flavor and moisture, and will make your sandwich indescribably juicy and flavorful.
Although this is a hearty meal on its own, you can also cook up some parmesan chicken as an appetizer to complement your Bourbon Chicken Skillet. Trust me; your guests will leave raving about dinner ideas!
Overall, the possibilities for pairing with this Bourbon Chicken Skillet are endless. Experimenting is fun too! Trying new things broaden our culinary horizons!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re hosting a party, you might want to make your life easier and prepare some of the elements of the recipe ahead of time. The good news is that you can make the soy sauce-brown sugar bourbon sauce up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is marinade the chicken breast and cook it with the veggies.
Any leftovers, if any, will last for about 3-4 days in an airtight container, which means this dish makes for excellent meal prep options for the week ahead. To reheat the chicken skillet, you can either use a microwave or reheat it on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, I recommend warming it over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
This recipe is perfect for packing leftovers for lunch or dinner ideas anytime. Just put it in a microwave-safe container and heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated under the microwaves’ high setting.
But let’s be honest, cold leftover bourbon chicken can be perfect too, especially in sandwiches or wraps with some vegetables like lettuce or spinach. You can create a deliciously unique chicken sandwich that’s sure to get your mouth watering.
Remember that storing your leftovers or taking out portions should only be done after letting them cool off completely. If stored too early when still hot, moisture can get trapped inside this could cause bacteria to grow leading to sicknesses.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect consistency for the Bourbon Chicken Skillet, follow these tips:
Firstly, ensure that the chicken is cooked through without overcooking or undercooking it. When overcooked, the chicken can become dry and tough, leaving your guests disappointed. Undercooked chicken poses a significant health risk, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving.
Secondly, when making the sauce, add cornstarch to thicken it without ruining the overall flavor. The sauce should be shiny, with no lumps of cornstarch visible. To avoid this problem, mix thoroughly until the cornstarch blends smoothly into the liquid.
Thirdly, use low sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness in your finished product. Soy sauce is already high in salt content; its “low sodium” counterpart ensures that you control how much salt goes into your dish.
Fourthly, using fresh garlic and ginger provides the best results as dried ones may not have enough depth of flavor. Alternatively, I recommend using a combination of garlic and ginger paste if fresh ingredients are unavailable.
Fifthly, let your chicken rest for a minute or two before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. This step locks in all of its tasty juices and prevents them from running all over your cutting board.
Finally, add the vegetables last to ensure that they retain their crispness and color. Overcooked veggies turn out mushy and lose their vibrant look.
With these simple tips at hand, there’s no way you can go wrong with this delicious bourbon chicken skillet recipe!
FAQ
Now that you know everything about the Denny’s Copycat Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe, I understand that you might have a few questions. Below are some queries people typically ask about this savory recipe. Read through to get answers to any lingering questions you might have before you start cooking.
What is Denny’s bourbon sauce made of?
Get ready to spice up your party food with this mouth-watering sauce! My secret recipe uses a perfect blend of garlic, ginger, chicken stock, bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. To give it the right amount of tanginess, I add three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
When you bring it out to your guests, you might think that the amount is too much, but don’t worry! The sauce quickly reduces in size as it cooks down, and it will perfectly complement your dish.
What is bourbon chicken sauce made of?
One of the most crucial elements of this dish is the flavorful sauce. It’s composed of several key ingredients including ginger, garlic, chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of bourbon. To impart a bit of tanginess, we also add in three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Don’t be alarmed by the initial abundance of sauce – it will eventually thicken and reduce down to a delectable consistency.
Does the Denny’s bourbon sauce have alcohol?
The distinctive flavor of Denny’s Bourbon Chicken comes from a savory bourbon-based marinade, with no actual alcohol used in the recipe.
How many carbs are in a Denny’s bourbon chicken skillet?
The Sizzlin’ Skillet Dinner (21 Oz) from Denny’s is a flavorful and filling meal that packs in 880 calories. With 65g of protein, 39g of fat, and a total of 69g of carbs (63g of net carbs), this dish is a satisfying choice for those looking to indulge in a hearty and delicious dinner.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Denny’s Copycat Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is a must-try for home chefs who love to throw parties or simply want to impress their family and friends. By utilizing ingredients such as soy sauce, cider vinegar, ketchup, and more, you’ll be able to create a flavorful sauce that complements the tender and juicy chicken breasts. This recipe is highly customizable, as you can switch up the vegetables or even use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Overall, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to bring the flavors of Bourbon Street into your own kitchen. Not only is it perfect for dinner ideas, but it also provides a healthy option for those who are trying to watch their diet. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and experience the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked Bourbon Chicken Skillet dish. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Denny’s Copycat Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, filleted in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (1-2)
- 1/4 onion, Thinly Sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, Thinly Sliced
- 5 -6 red potatoes, Cubed
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 steamer bag broccoli
Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if thick sauce desired)
Instructions
- Toss red potatoes cubes with canola oil, salt, and pepper. Cook in air fryer at 370 for 30 minutes removing to shake them up half way through.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, and chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove chicken.
- Add Sauce ingredients, heating over medium heat until well blended and dissolved. Add chicken and bring to a hard boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes uncovered.
- Steam your broccoli according the instructions on the bag.
- Serve with everything layered all together.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!