What’s in maple bourbon chicken breasts?
You only need a handful of simple, inexpensive ingredients to make this baked chicken recipe!
Chicken Breasts: You can make this recipe with thighs if you prefer. They will take slightly longer to cook, so add an additional 10 or so minutes to the cooking time. Bourbon: Use your leftover bourbon to make my favorite Orange Bourbon Slush! Maple Syrup: Try to use a good quality maple syrup, not thick pancake syrup.
How long do you marinate chicken breasts?
Ideally, you want to marinate the chicken for one to two hours. This will give it enough time to take on the flavors as well as break down the fibers so that you have a tender and juicy bit of chicken. Don’t leave the chicken for more than two hours or it will break down too much and can get tough when cooked. If you can only spare 15 minutes, that will be enough time for it to take on the flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed all the way through. The air fryer also works great.
How to Freeze
Let the maple bourbon chicken fully cool to room temperature prior to freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge for a few hours prior to reheating.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
I set aside glaze so I have some that hasn’t come in contact with the raw chicken. Although the glaze in the pan with the chicken is safe since it has been cooked. Chicken shouldn’t be poked or forked to marinade as it could dry out the chicken. The chicken can be grilled or cooked stovetop as well. Place a skillet (or grill) over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to Make Maple Bourbon Chicken Breast Step by Step
Marinate the chicken: Place 2-4 chicken breasts in a large bag. In a bowl, melt 1 tbsp butter in the microwave. Whisk in 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple juice, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture for later. Pour the mixture into the bag with the chicken and mix so the chicken is fully covered. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Prepare for baking: Place the chicken in a baking dish. Leave a small amount of marinade in the baking dish. Discard the rest of the marinade. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake and flip: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. Flip halfway through cook time. Broil and glaze: Once cooked, flip the chicken back over. Broil for 2-3 minutes. Add another layer of glaze from the reserved marinade before serving.
More Chicken Breast Recipes We Love
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