The Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet-and-savory Bourbon Chicken from your favorite takeout spot?
This easy one-pan recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sticky glaze—ready in just 30 minutes!
Whether you stick with bourbon for deep, caramelized flavor or swap it for apple juice, this dish is guaranteed to be better than takeout.
Serve it over rice, top it with green onions, and get ready to dig into your new go-to weeknight meal.
For Bourbon Chicken
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a light coating on the chicken, making it slightly crispy when cooked.
- Garlic and Ginger – Essential aromatics that add bold, deep flavors to the dish.
- Onion – Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to complement the sauce.
- Vegetable Oil – Used for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Green Onions – For a fresh, slightly sharp finishing touch.
For Bourbon Chicken Sauce
- Soy Sauce – Provides the salty umami base of the sauce. Reduced-sodium soy sauce works best.
- Chicken Broth – Helps thin the sauce while adding depth of flavor.
- Bourbon (or Apple Juice) – Adds a rich, slightly smoky sweetness. Apple juice is a great alternative if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Brown Sugar – Gives the sauce its signature sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet-and-savory Bourbon Chicken from your favorite takeout spot? This easy one-pan recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sticky glaze—ready in just 30 minutes!
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Servings: 4
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Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice)
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until evenly coated. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking for 1-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. - Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. - Combine and Simmer:
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. - Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. - Serve:
Spoon the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Tips & Variations:
- Extra veggies? Add stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 542kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 208mg | Sodium: 1110mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g Vitamin A: — | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg
- Can I make Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?
Absolutely! If you’d rather skip the booze, swap it out for apple juice. It still gives you that rich, slightly sweet flavor—no bourbon needed! - What’s the best chicken to use?
I love chicken thighs for their juiciness, but if you prefer leaner meat, go for chicken breasts. Either way, cut them into bite-sized pieces so they soak up all that delicious sauce! - How do I get the sauce to thicken perfectly?
The trick? A simple cornstarch slurry! Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir it in at the end. Boom—thick, glossy, restaurant-style sauce! - Is Bourbon Chicken super sweet?
It has a great balance of sweet and savory, but if you want to cut back on sweetness, just reduce the brown sugar to your taste. - Can I add veggies to this dish?
Of course! Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add color, crunch, and extra nutrients. The sauce makes everything taste amazing!
