Denny’s Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe

Denny’s bourbon chicken brings together tender, juicy meat and a sweet, savory glaze that clings to every bite!

The key to getting that deep caramelized coating is letting the sauce reduce properly before tossing the chicken back in.

I always marinate the chicken for at least an hour to let the sauce really soak in, giving it an even richer taste.

One reason I keep making this dish is how well it pairs with steamed rice—the sauce seeps in, giving the rice an incredible boost of flavor.

If you want a little more kick, a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of extra bourbon can take it up another notch.

How to Make Denny’s Bourbon Chicken Skillet

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 Onion
• 1/4 cup Bourbon
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 Red Potatoes
• Salt
• Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Slice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.

Cut the chicken breasts into chunks and the red potatoes into cubes.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add chicken chunks and cook until lightly browned.

Remove chicken from skillet.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions, and bell peppers.

Sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Pour in the Bourbon and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4:

Add brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

Mix until well combined with the vegetables.

Return chicken to the skillet.

Step 5:

Add potato cubes, and cover the skillet.

Cook over low heat for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Selecting fresh chicken and vegetables will significantly enhance the taste and texture of the dish.

Always choose ingredients that appear vibrant and smell fresh.

This makes a noticeable difference in your cooking!

Adjust the Bourbon

You can tweak the amount of Bourbon to suit your taste preferences.

If you love a bold flavor, feel free to add a bit more.

For a more subtle hint, reduce the amount of Bourbon used.

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet

Give each component of your dish space to cook evenly.

Too much at once can lower the skillet’s temperature and result in soggy ingredients.

Cook in batches if necessary!

Experiment with Spices

Feel free to add or substitute spices like garlic or paprika to give it your own twist.

Creativity with spice can make this dish uniquely yours and just as delicious.

Enjoy exploring different flavors!

What to Serve with Denny’s Bourbon Chicken

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is my top choice for serving alongside bourbon chicken, and you’ll love how the flavors blend together.

The subtle sweetness of coconut rice complements the savory and sweet notes of the chicken!

It’s easy to prepare, and you’ve likely already got everything you need in your pantry.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

These bacon-wrapped green beans are a surprisingly tasty and elegant side dish that pairs so well with bourbon chicken.

They’re quick and simple to make.

The salty, crispy bacon enhances the dish while the green beans add a touch of freshness.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a great option if you’re looking for something creamy to balance the dish.

The rich taste of the spinach contrasts nicely with the flavor of the bourbon chicken.

It’s a classic side that always seems to fit the bill when you need something comforting!

Spicy Kimchi

For those who like things a little hot, spicy kimchi is an exciting addition alongside bourbon chicken.

It introduces a mouth-watering punch and zing that adds a fresh and spicy element to the meal.

This might be a side you haven’t considered, but it certainly offers a lively twist!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

There’s something about smooth, creamy, garlic mashed potatoes that makes them a winning companion to bourbon chicken.

These potatoes absorb the delicious sauce and bring out flavors you might not even notice otherwise.

They’re effortlessly filling and tend to be loved across the table.

Edamame Salad

For something a bit outside the box, try an edamame salad for a pop of color and crunch.

This healthy salad lightens up the meal and provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Creamy Twist

You can make it creamy by adding half a cup of heavy cream to the sauce.

This creates a rich and creamy texture that blends so well with the bourbon flavor.

It’s an easy adjustment that gives the dish a whole new dimension.

Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding an extra half teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

It provides a spicy punch that complements the sweetness of the bourbon sauce.

It’s a simple way to fire up your skillet with minimal effort.

Pineapple Variation

Add a sweet and tangy twist by including a cup of diced pineapple.

It’s a great way to introduce a bit of tropical flavor to the dish.

The pineapple works beautifully to balance the richness of the sauce.

Vegetarian Option

If you want to skip the chicken, why not use tofu or tempeh instead?

It can be marinated and cooked the same way to soak up all the flavors.

Even non-vegetarians might enjoy this variation for something different!

How to Store Leftover Denny’s Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Refrigerating the Leftovers

When storing leftover Denny’s Bourbon Chicken, use an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor.

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.

Freezing for Longer Storage

For longer preservation, you can freeze the Bourbon Chicken.

Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag.

This method allows you to store it for two to three months.

Labeling and Organizing

Always label your containers with the date before storing in the fridge or freezer.

This helps you keep track of when the chicken was stored.

It’s a simple step to avoid any guesswork later on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing the Sauce

You might think speeding up the sauce-making process will save you time, but it can actually ruin the dish.

Patience is key when allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken until it has the perfect consistency.

Let those flavors blend together for that rich taste!

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken can turn tough and dry, losing its juicy appeal.

It’s essential to keep an eye on the chicken and cook it just until it’s nicely browned.

The goal is tender, juicy bites every time.

Skipping the Marinade

Marinating the chicken helps infuse those terrific flavors right into the meat.

Skipping this step may leave you with bland chicken that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Give the chicken enough time in the marinade to soak up all those wonderful flavors!