The Perfect Bourbon Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Tender chicken pieces dancing in a rich, sticky bourbon sauce bring pure comfort to your dinner table.

This easy bourbon chicken recipe promises a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Home cooks adore how simple the ingredients are to find and combine.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes that make this dish irresistible.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.

You’ll be amazed at how such a few ingredients can create such a memorable meal that feels like a culinary celebration.

Sweet, Sticky, and Savory Bourbon Chicken

• Whip Up Flavor Explosion: This bourbon chicken brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Meal: Incredibly versatile recipe allows easy swapping of proteins or serving styles, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and hunger levels.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Prepare this delicious dish in less than 30 minutes, transforming a simple protein into a mouthwatering meal that impresses family and friends.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common kitchen staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken, ensuring you can create a delectable dinner without complicated shopping trips.

Ingredients for Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.

• Bourbon, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Ketchup: Rich combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that create the signature sauce for the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Cornstarch, Water: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth texture.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that provide additional flavor and visual appeal.

Bourbon Chicken Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Pieces

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, ensuring a delicious crispy exterior.

This process takes about 5-7 minutes, creating a perfect base for the flavorful sauce.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse

Pour the vibrant sauce mixture over the browned chicken.

Allow the skillet to reach a gentle simmer, letting the flavors dance and mingle.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and fully absorbs the rich sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in cool water.

Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce, watching it transform into a glossy, clingy coating.

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect, luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat.

For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top.

Serve this mouthwatering bourbon chicken over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Flavorful Bourbon Chicken

• Marinate chicken in bourbon mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste.
• Adjust cornstarch amount to create your preferred sauce thickness – less for a thinner glaze, more for a sticky coating.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth to make the recipe family-friendly and non-alcoholic.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a zesty kick that transforms the classic bourbon chicken flavor profile.
• Double the sauce recipe and store extra in refrigerator for quick weeknight meals or as a versatile stir-fry base.

Bourbon Chicken Variations to Explore

• Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, pressed and cubed, following the same cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Sodium Version: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and reduce added salt to minimize sodium content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, and replace wheat-based ketchup with a gluten-free version to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Bourbon Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy a more intense, fiery flavor profile in their meal.

Ways to Serve Bourbon Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious bourbon sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Veggie Companion Delight: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed green beans to add color, nutrition, and a crisp texture contrast to the tender chicken.
• Garnish Party Boost: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of extra sauce on top to elevate the dish's visual appeal and add a final burst of flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Complement the meal with quick pickled cucumber salad or edamame for a complete and satisfying dining experience that brings together multiple taste sensations.

Storage for Bourbon Chicken Leftovers

• Transfer cooled bourbon chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without compromising taste and texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is bourbon chicken actually made with bourbon?

Not always. While the recipe includes bourbon, many restaurants use a similar sauce without actual bourbon, focusing on the flavor profile.

• Can I substitute the bourbon?

Yes, you can use apple juice, chicken broth, or rice wine as non-alcoholic alternatives that still provide depth to the sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook the chicken on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Once it’s browned and reaches 165°F internal temperature, it will remain juicy and tender.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during cooking.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory bourbon chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with tender, glazed meat infused with rich whiskey-spiked flavors. Crispy edges and sweet-tangy sauce make this dish an irresistible weeknight favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup bourbon (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
• 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 0.25 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking and Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish (Optional):

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in hot vegetable oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a separate mixing bowl.
3. Cascade the sauce over the seared chicken, reducing heat to allow a gentle simmer that helps intensify flavor profiles and ensure thorough chicken cooking, roughly 8-10 minutes.
4. To enhance sauce consistency, prepare a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in water, then incorporate into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, thickened texture.
5. Remove skillet from heat, allowing residual warmth to complete cooking process, then artfully garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal and nutty crunch.
6. Present the bourbon chicken atop fluffy steamed rice or alongside colorful roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Control the heat to prevent burning the chicken, ensuring even browning and maintaining tender meat texture.
• Marinate chicken beforehand for deeper flavor infusion, letting ingredients penetrate the meat for richer taste experience.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for alcohol-free version, keeping the recipe family-friendly and adaptable.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt content, making the dish healthier without compromising delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 309 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg