Bourbon Chicken: Bold, Sweet, and Ready in 30 Minutes!
Looking for a quick, flavorful dish to impress your taste buds?
This Bourbon Chicken recipe is your answer! With tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, sweet bourbon glaze, this dish brings bold flavors right to your kitchen.
Made in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect go-to for busy nights when you want a meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant—without all the fuss!
Serve it over rice and get ready to savor every bite!
For Bourbon Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs – The preferred cut for tender, juicy chicken, though you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer white meat.
- Cornstarch – Used to coat the chicken and help it crisp up while cooking.
- Olive Oil – For frying the chicken in the skillet.
- Onion, Garlic, and Ginger – These aromatics form the flavor base of the sauce and add that delicious savory punch.
- Green Onions – For garnish, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor.
For Bourbon Chicken Sauce:
- Soy Sauce – The salty base for the sauce, best to use reduced-sodium soy sauce for balance.
- Chicken Broth – Adds liquid to the sauce and deepens the flavor.
- Bourbon (or Apple Juice) – For that distinct, slightly sweet, and bold flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness to the sauce, balancing out the saltiness.
- Cider Vinegar – A touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper – Adds a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the bourbon.
Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless 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 if you prefer)
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to coat evenly.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions soften.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir the mixture, cooking until it thickens and becomes bubbly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the sauce and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Serve:
- Serve the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- No Bourbon? You can substitute apple juice for the bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don’t enjoy the taste of bourbon.
- Add Veggies: Serve the chicken with stir-fried vegetables to boost the nutrition and add some color to your plate.
- Can I skip the bourbon in this recipe?
If bourbon isn’t your thing or you prefer a non-alcoholic version, no worries! Simply swap it out for apple juice or apple cider. You’ll still get that lovely sweetness and depth, without the alcohol.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Of course! While chicken thighs are great for tenderness and flavor, chicken breasts work perfectly fine too. Just be aware that breasts can be a bit leaner, so they may not stay as juicy as thighs.
- What if the sauce isn’t thick enough?
If you find the sauce a bit runny, try mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. This will help thicken it up in no time!
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Whip up the sauce in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and when you’re ready to cook, just heat it up and add the chicken. It’ll save you time on busy days!
- What should I serve Bourbon Chicken with?
Bourbon chicken is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even stir-fried veggies. Add a side salad or some sautéed greens to complete the meal!
