Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is a popular, sweet-and-savory stir-fried chicken dish, often found in American food courts and Chinese-American restaurants. It features bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a glossy, sticky sauce typically made with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and a splash of bourbon whiskey for depth. The dish is believed to have originated in the United States, possibly in Hawaii or Louisiana, blending Asian cooking techniques with Western ingredients.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily high in protein from the chicken, but the sweet, sticky sauce can also make it significant in carbohydrates and added sugars. A typical serving (about 1 cup or 200-250g) can range from 300 to 400 calories, with a good amount of sodium from the soy sauce.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	400 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Vitamin A	150 IU
Vitamin C	5 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Selenium	25 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Bourbon Chicken is a prime example of fusion cuisine, adapting a whiskey name and flavor profile to a stir-fry format. Nutritionally, while the chicken provides lean protein, the sauce's sugar content means it's often enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily health food.