There is something so irresistibly comforting and downright delicious about this Bourbon Chicken Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Tender bites of chicken coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory bourbon-infused sauce strike the perfect balance between flavor and ease. Every spoonful offers a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy notes that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, it will be a permanent masterpiece in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bourbon Chicken Recipe uses a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that play well together to create an impressive dish. Each component is carefully chosen to add depth, texture, and the signature flavor that makes this recipe shine.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy protein.
- 5 tablespoons corn starch (divided): Helps create that perfect crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1/4 cup vegetable, corn, or canola oil: For searing the chicken beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced): Brings aromatic depth and a touch of warmth.
- 1 cup water: Balances the sauce and helps with simmering.
- 2/3 cup soy sauce: Adds savory umami and saltiness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup apple juice: Sweetens the sauce naturally with a fruity undertone.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Boosts flavor and creates a rich base for the sauce.
- 1/3 cup ketchup: Provides a tangy sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup bourbon: Gives the dish its signature smoky, caramel flavor.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar: Balances sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Creates the luscious, sticky glaze that coats the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory complexity of the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
How to Make Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat off your chicken breasts and cutting them into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of corn starch with the salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in this mixture until each piece is evenly coated. This not only seasons the chicken but also helps develop that irresistible crispy exterior once cooked.
Step 2: Cook Half the Chicken
Heat half of the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the coated chicken pieces, avoiding the temptation to stir right away. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Once browned and mostly cooked through, transfer the pieces to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Remaining Chicken
Add the remaining oil to the skillet and repeat the process with the rest of the chicken. This two-step cooking ensures each piece gets that perfect sear without overcrowding the pan, so you get excellent texture throughout your batch of Bourbon Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Add Sauce Ingredients
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for 20 to 30 seconds until you catch that lovely fragrant aroma. Next, pour in the water, soy sauce, apple juice, chicken broth, ketchup, bourbon, vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This is where the magic of the sauce begins to build.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let everything bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce by about half. This slow simmer marries the flavors deeply and thickens the sauce into a sticky, irresistible glaze that clings to each chicken piece.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
For an even glossier and thicker finish, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook for another minute or two until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This extra step amps up the luscious texture that is signature to a great Bourbon Chicken Recipe.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Serve your Bourbon Chicken piping hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that phenomenal sauce. The combination of tender chicken and rich, glossy sauce brings such a warm, inviting flavor that it truly feels like a special meal every time.
How to Serve Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Bourbon Chicken with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a subtle crunch that contrast beautifully with the rich sauce. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro also pairs well, adding a fresh aroma that awakens the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best alongside classic steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce. But if you want to mix it up, try fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or even buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty twist. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, add a fresh crunch and vibrant pops of green to balance the sweetness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun weeknight dinner or casual gathering, serve your Bourbon Chicken in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal that’s bursting with flavor. Alternatively, it makes an excellent filling for wraps or tacos, paired with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Presenting your Bourbon Chicken Recipe in variations like these adds versatility and a fresh twist to a familiar favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, which actually enhances the flavors even more—the perfect excuse for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooked chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating — the flavors remain remarkably fresh and intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring you preserve that tender chicken and sticky sauce that makes this Bourbon Chicken Recipe so crave-worthy.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are actually a fantastic choice for Bourbon Chicken Recipe since they stay juicy and tender during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and prepare to enjoy even richer flavor.
Is it necessary to use bourbon in this recipe?
The bourbon adds a unique smoky-sweet depth to the sauce that is signature to this dish, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth with a splash of vanilla extract for a slightly different yet still delicious flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! The crushed red pepper flakes already provide a mild kick, but you can increase the amount or add fresh chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to intensify the heat to your liking.
What sides pair best with Bourbon Chicken Recipe?
Classic steamed rice is always a winner, but roasted vegetables, quick pickled cucumbers, or a fresh Asian slaw can add great texture and balance to the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
How do I get the sauce to thicken perfectly?
Using the corn starch slurry at the end helps achieve that glossy, thick sauce that’s key to this dish. Just be sure to stir constantly after adding it and cook for a minute or two until it reaches the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon Chicken Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. The combination of tender chicken and the rich, sticky sauce made with bourbon creates a comforting and memorable meal that will quickly become a loved classic in your home. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a flavorful, sweet and savory bourbon sauce. Coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to perfection, then simmered in a rich blend of soy sauce, apple juice, chicken broth, ketchup, bourbon, and spices, it’s a delicious dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 tablespoons corn starch (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable, corn, or canola oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 1 cup water
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any fat off of the chicken and cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of the corn starch with the salt and pepper; add the chicken and toss well to completely coat.
- Cook First Half of Chicken: In a large skillet or pot, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half of the chicken pieces and cook on one side without stirring for 3 minutes. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Cook Second Half of Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining half of the oil to the skillet, then add the remaining pieces of uncooked chicken. Cook the chicken on one side without stirring for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the water, soy sauce, apple juice, chicken broth, ketchup, bourbon, vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 1-2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce to thicken. Cook for another minute until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use vegetable, corn, or canola oil as your cooking oil.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- To ensure even cooking, cut chicken pieces uniformly to about 1 inch.
- Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or your favorite grain.
- Optional thickening with cornstarch slurry will give the sauce a glossy finish.
