Sweet, savory, and with a hint of bourbon flair!
Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish that brings together juicy chicken, a sweet and tangy sauce, and a touch of bourbon for a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’ve had it at your favorite mall food court or a local takeout spot, this dish can be recreated at home with just a few simple ingredients. The best part? This Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe is quick to make, using pantry staples, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Let’s jump right in and learn how to make this flavorful dish at home!
What is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken is a dish inspired by Cajun and Chinese flavors. Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, it features bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of bourbon. The dish has become a favorite in food courts and takeout spots across the country due to its bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s typically served over rice and garnished with green onions, making it a filling and flavorful meal.
Ingredients List for Easy Bourbon Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Bourbon Chicken recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil for frying)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- ¼ cup ketchup (for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (adds depth and sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnishing:
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This Bourbon Chicken recipe is very flexible, and you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- No bourbon? You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free.
- Use chicken breasts or thighs: Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs will give you juicier, more flavorful results, while breasts are leaner.
- Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you like more heat.
- Honey bourbon chicken: For a sweeter twist, swap out half of the brown sugar for honey.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this Easy Bourbon Chicken step by step:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
- If you want extra crispy chicken, toss the pieces in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to give them a light coating before frying.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Bourbon Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the bourbon whiskey to the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, hoisin sauce, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until the pieces are fully coated.
- Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and become sticky, coating the chicken perfectly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed white rice or brown rice, and enjoy!
How to Cook Bourbon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Season and sear the chicken: Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the bourbon sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, deglaze with bourbon, and then add the rest of the sauce ingredients.
- Simmer and thicken: Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce until it thickens and becomes sticky.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken during the searing step. It only needs to be golden brown since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so make sure to sauté it for just a minute. Burning garlic will make the sauce taste bitter.
- Using too much bourbon: Bourbon has a strong flavor, so stick to the recommended amount. If you’re sensitive to the taste, you can always reduce it slightly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Bourbon Chicken is typically served over rice, but you can also serve it with other side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed rice: White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are classic options.
- Noodles: Serve the chicken over noodles for a delicious twist.
- With stir-fried vegetables: Add a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, to make the meal more balanced.
- Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps with extra sauce on the side.
How to Serve Bourbon Chicken
Here are some ways to present your Bourbon Chicken:
- Family-style: Serve the chicken in a large serving dish, with a side of rice or noodles, and let everyone help themselves.
- Bowl-style: Serve the bourbon chicken over rice or noodles in individual bowls, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Chicken
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds: These add a nice pop of color and texture to the dish.
- Serve on a platter: Place the chicken on a platter with rice or noodles, and drizzle the extra sauce on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.
- Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or basil can add extra brightness to the dish.
Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use a good bourbon: The flavor of the bourbon will come through in the sauce, so choose a bourbon you enjoy. You don’t need anything fancy, but a mid-range bourbon works best.
- Adjust the sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet for your taste, add a little more soy sauce or vinegar to balance it out.
- Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients for the bourbon sauce so you have more to drizzle over the chicken and rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Bourbon Chicken without alcohol?
A: Yes! If you want to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. The sauce will still be flavorful without the bourbon.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well as thighs, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?
A: Yes! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
This Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, sweet, and savory flavors to your dinner table. With tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky bourbon-infused sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Serve it over rice or noodles, and don’t forget the garnish of green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or as part of your meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Give it a try tonight, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home!
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Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe brings the delicious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a simple stir-fry dish. Tender chicken is cooked in a flavorful bourbon sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a splash of bourbon for that classic rich taste. It's an easy, one-pan dinner perfect for busy nights, ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Bourbon
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (minced)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Olive oil
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
- (Optional) Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for more nutrients.
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and add extra broth or apple juice for sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
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