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–+ servings

Instant Pot Mall Food Court Bourbon Chicken

This Instant Pot bourbon chicken brings the flavors of your favorite mall food court to your kitchen with tender, bite-sized chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze.
Made in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • ⅓ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup light-brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Cornstarch Slurry (for thickening)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Instant Pot: Turn on Sauté mode and set it to "More" or "High." Add sesame oil and butter, allowing them to heat up.
  • Sauté the Chicken: Once the butter melts, add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer raw but not fully cooked.
  • Deglaze with Bourbon: Pour in the bourbon, add minced garlic and ginger, and stir. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to cook off the alcohol.
  • Add Liquids & Pressure Cook: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir to combine, then close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing."
    Set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on HIGH for 4 minutes.
    After cooking, perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to "Venting."
  • Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: While the chicken is cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Add Final Ingredients: Once the lid is removed, stir in ketchup, hoisin sauce, and honey until well combined.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode (High) and bring the sauce to a bubble. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Turn off the Instant Pot and let the sauce stand for a minute. Serve hot over Hibachi Fried Rice, White Rice, or Brown Rice.

Notes

  • No Bourbon? Substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Make it Spicier: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop before serving.
Keyword easy pressure cooker chicken, homemade bourbon chicken, instant pot bourbon chicken, instant pot dinner ideas, instant pot recipes, mall-style chicken recipe, quick bourbon chicken, sweet and savory chicken recipe
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