If you're craving a dish that's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, look no further than this easy bourbon chicken recipe. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and a hint of bourbon, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and delivers delicious results. Read on for all the details, including ingredients, substitutions, and tips to make sure your bourbon chicken comes out perfect every time!

What is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon chicken is a popular dish, often found in American-Chinese restaurants and mall food courts. Despite its name, the dish is more about flavor than booze. The bourbon adds a deep, complex layer of flavor that balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and tang from the soy sauce. This dish typically features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are first seared, then simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. The end result is a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats every piece of chicken.
While it's often served over rice, you can get creative with how you serve this dish, which we’ll discuss later. For now, let's dive into the ingredients you'll need!
Ingredients List for Bourbon Chicken
For the best bourbon chicken, you'll need the following ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, but if you don't have everything on hand, don’t worry! I’ll also provide substitution ideas later.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Chicken thighs are preferred because they're tender and juicy, but chicken breasts can also work.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken. You can use vegetable oil as well.
- ¼ cup bourbon – This is the star of the show. If you prefer not to use alcohol, see the substitution options below.
- ¼ cup soy sauce – Gives the dish its salty, umami flavor. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – Adds a nice tang and balances the sweetness.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar – For sweetness. You can use either light or dark brown sugar.
- ¼ cup ketchup – Adds depth of flavor and a slight sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ginger, minced – Fresh or ground ginger will work.
- ¼ cup chicken broth – For added moisture in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – For thickening the sauce.
- 2 green onions, sliced – Optional, for garnish.
- Sesame seeds – Optional, for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
If you're missing an ingredient or looking for a twist, here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Bourbon substitute: If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. The bourbon adds a unique flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
- Soy sauce alternatives: If you're gluten-sensitive, opt for tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce.
- Chicken cuts: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Sweeteners: For a different type of sweetness, try honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Add heat: If you like your food with a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to cook some bourbon chicken? Follow these simple steps to bring this savory dish to life.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it sear better.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the bourbon (or substitute) and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the sauce and continue cooking until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
How to Cook Bourbon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking bourbon chicken is easier than you think! Here’s a more detailed look at each step:
- Searing the Chicken: This step is key to getting the most flavor out of your chicken. Make sure the skillet is hot and the chicken is dry before adding it. Sear in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cooking off the Alcohol: Once you add the bourbon, be sure to let it cook for a minute or two to burn off most of the alcohol. You'll be left with the deep, rich flavor without the harshness of the alcohol.
- Simmering for Flavor: After adding the sauce ingredients, let everything simmer together for a few minutes. This helps meld the flavors and gives the sauce time to thicken up.
- Final Toss in Sauce: After returning the chicken to the skillet, let it simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully coated and absorbs all the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your bourbon chicken turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, leading to less flavorful results.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: The cornstarch slurry is what gives the sauce that luscious, thick texture. Don’t skip it unless you’re okay with a thinner sauce.
- Not cooking off the alcohol: If you're using bourbon, make sure to cook it for a couple of minutes to burn off the alcohol, leaving just the deep, rich flavor behind.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving bourbon chicken, presentation is key! Here are some ideas for making your dish stand out:
- How to Serve Bourbon Chicken: Bourbon chicken is traditionally served over a bed of rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it over noodles, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a different take.
- Side Dishes: Consider serving bourbon chicken with steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp side salad to balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Chicken
Make your bourbon chicken look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:
- Garnish with Green: A sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds adds a pop of color and texture.
- Serve in Bowls: Serve the chicken over rice in deep bowls, making it easier to enjoy every last drop of sauce.
- Use a Skillet: Serve the dish family-style in the same skillet you cooked it in. The rustic presentation adds to the home-cooked feel.
Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your bourbon chicken turns out amazing:
- Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an hour before cooking.
- Make Ahead: Bourbon chicken tastes even better the next day! Feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients so you can drizzle it over your rice or veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make bourbon chicken without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
Is bourbon chicken spicy?
Bourbon chicken is not typically spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may not be as juicy as thighs.
Can I freeze bourbon chicken?
Yes! Bourbon chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This easy bourbon chicken recipe is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or try one of the suggested variations, you’re in for a treat. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintEasy Bourbon Chicken Recipe
This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender chicken coated in a rich, sweet bourbon glaze. Perfect for a fast dinner, it's made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon. Enjoy restaurant-style bourbon chicken at home with this easy, 30-minute meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Chinese-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Bourbon
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ketchup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken on all sides.
- In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, add it to the pan, and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice and garnish as desired.
Notes
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the brown sugar quantity.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute apple juice for bourbon.
- Best served with steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
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