The Perfect Bourbon Chicken Recipe That Sizzles With Flavor

Whipping up a mouthwatering bourbon chicken brings comfort and zest to your dinner table in minutes.

Succulent pieces of tender meat simmer in a rich, glossy sauce that dances between sweet and tangy flavors.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this straightforward approach to creating restaurant-quality magic at home.

Traditional southern techniques merge with simple ingredients, promising a dish that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Home cooks can quickly master this crowd-pleasing recipe without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Even novice kitchen enthusiasts will feel confident crafting this delectable meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when deliciousness meets simplicity.

Flavorful Twists For Bourbon Chicken To Try

• Mocktail Bourbon Chicken: Replace bourbon with apple juice or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version that keeps the same sweet and tangy flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Fusion: Add sriracha sauce or gochujang for extra heat, creating a bolder and more intense chicken dish with a Korean-inspired kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavors.
• Grilled Summer Variation: Prepare the same marinade but cook chicken on an outdoor grill for a smoky char and lighter preparation method, perfect for summer cookouts.

How To Serve Bourbon Chicken Beautifully

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this bourbon chicken over fluffy white rice for a classic comfort meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack the chicken with rice in meal prep containers for an easy lunch option that stays delicious and moist throughout the week.
• Game Night Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party snack with extra sauce for dipping.
• Healthy Bowl Creation: Layer the bourbon chicken over quinoa or brown rice with steamed vegetables for a nutritious and protein-packed dinner that feels gourmet yet simple.

Proper Storage Tips For Bourbon Chicken

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store bourbon chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and sauce together to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Separate chicken from rice when storing to prevent soggy grains and maintain optimal texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• What is bourbon chicken traditionally associated with?

Originally from New Orleans, bourbon chicken was popularized in food courts and mall restaurants, typically featuring a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauce.

• Can I substitute bourbon with another alcohol?

Yes, you can use apple juice, chicken broth, or water as non-alcoholic alternatives that won’t significantly change the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version that suits all taste preferences.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and appears white throughout with no pink areas, which typically takes 6-8 minutes of cooking.

Bourbon Chicken With Rich And Smooth Flavors

• Savor Speedy Cooking: Prepare this delicious bourbon chicken in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will ask for seconds.
• Master Simple Techniques: With basic cooking skills and common ingredients, home cooks of all levels can confidently create this restaurant-inspired recipe, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that looks and tastes impressive.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level, swap rice for your favorite side, or add vegetables to make this versatile recipe fit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients For Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken pieces that create the main protein of this savory dish.

• Bourbon, Soy Sauce, Chicken Broth: Rich liquid components that build depth of flavor and create the signature sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Ketchup, Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy balance and complex taste profile.
• Garlic: Offers aromatic and robust flavor enhancement.

• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds layered spice and heat to the overall dish.
• Cornstarch: Optional ingredient for creating a thicker, more clingy sauce texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial chicken browning and preventing sticking.

• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds color and light onion flavor to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Bourbon Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Allow the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust by cooking for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Chicken broth
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, creating a rich and tangy sauce.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse

Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Bring the contents to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

For a more luxurious sauce consistency, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry.

Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a desired thickness.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the chicken.

Plate the bourbon chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice, ensuring each serving is generously coated with the delectable sauce.

Tips To Elevate Your Bourbon Chicken Dish

• Swap bourbon for apple juice to create a family-friendly version that keeps the delicious flavor without alcohol.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
• Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent sauce coating throughout the meat.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for extra texture and personalized heat level to suit individual preferences.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of flavor and tenderize the meat more effectively.

Quick Bourbon Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent bourbon chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with tender meat glazed in a rich, sweet-tangy sauce. Quick preparations and simple ingredients make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil at medium heat until golden brown and crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Create a vibrant bourbon sauce by whisking together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a separate mixing bowl.
3. Pour the aromatic sauce over the seared chicken, allowing it to simmer and infuse the meat with deep, rich flavors for 8-10 minutes until the liquid slightly condenses.
4. For a more luxurious sauce consistency, dissolve cornstarch in water and gently incorporate into the simmering mixture, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, thickened texture.
5. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling freshly sliced green onions over the bourbon chicken and serve atop fluffy steamed rice, creating a harmonious and appetizing meal.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they stay more tender during cooking compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding more for heat lovers or reducing for milder palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic alternative that maintains similar depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 224 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg