Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Craving that sticky, sweet, and savory Bourbon Chicken you’ve had at the mall or your favorite takeout spot? Now you can make it at home with this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe! It’s a quick and delicious dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a mouthwatering sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of bourbon. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this simple one-pan recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Despite its name, this dish isn’t about the alcohol (though bourbon adds great flavor), but the deliciously rich sauce that’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. Best of all, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

this Recipe

What is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is a classic American-Chinese dish that’s famous for its sweet and savory sauce. It typically features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are seared and then simmered in a sticky sauce made with soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and garlic. It’s often served over rice, making it a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and filling. The dish gets its name from the use of bourbon in the sauce, though the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Ingredients List for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Easy Bourbon Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for crispier chicken)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• ¼ cup bourbon (optional, but adds great flavor)
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily customize this Bourbon Chicken recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
• Bourbon Substitute: If you don’t have bourbon or want to avoid alcohol, you can skip it and add extra chicken broth, apple juice, or water.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or a plant-based protein like tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Easy Bourbon Chicken in just 30 minutes!

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly. If you want a slightly crispier texture, toss the chicken pieces in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before cooking. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Bourbon Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the bourbon to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the bourbon cook down for about 1 minute.

Next, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, ketchup, hoisin sauce (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the Bourbon Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the chicken over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables.

How to Cook Easy Bourbon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook Easy Bourbon Chicken:

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, season, and toss with cornstarch (optional).
2. Sear Chicken: Cook the chicken until browned and set aside.
3. Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, then deglaze with bourbon. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, broth, ketchup, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer Sauce: Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened. Add cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired.
5. Combine: Toss the chicken in the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Patting the Chicken Dry: Make sure the chicken is dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent the chicken from getting a nice sear.
2. Skipping the Sear: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken. This adds extra flavor to the chicken and gives it a better texture.
3. Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
4. Not Letting the Bourbon Cook Down: Be sure to let the bourbon cook off for at least 1 minute before adding the rest of the sauce ingredients to mellow out the alcohol taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present Easy Bourbon Chicken for a satisfying meal:

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken

• Over Rice: Serve Bourbon Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a delicious Asian-inspired pasta dish.
• With Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option.

Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Chicken

• Garnish Generously: Top with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the chicken in a large serving dish with rice or noodles, and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Bowls: For a more elegant presentation, serve in individual bowls with rice or noodles, garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime for a bright touch.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Thighs for Juicier Chicken: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, making them ideal for this dish.
• Don’t Skip the Bourbon: If you’re comfortable using alcohol, the bourbon adds great depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use it, apple juice or extra broth works as a substitute.
• Make It Spicier: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha if you like your dishes on the spicier side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breasts work just as well, though they may not be as juicy as thighs. Be sure to cook them just until done to avoid drying them out.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the Bourbon Chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make this dish without bourbon?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the bourbon, simply replace it with additional chicken broth or apple juice for a touch of sweetness.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?
A: Yes! Bourbon Chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. With tender chicken simmered in a rich bourbon sauce, it’s a dish that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or vegetables, this one-pan meal is sure to impress. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to make, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken right in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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