This Easy Bourbon Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. The chicken is cooked until golden and then coated in a rich sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of bourbon. It’s a quick and delicious dinner that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- ½ cup bourbon
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple juice
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving
- Cooked white or jasmine rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
Slowly pour the mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece in the sauce.
Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve
Serve the Bourbon Chicken hot over steamed white or jasmine rice.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, but chicken breasts can also be used.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken.
- Adjust the brown sugar to make the sauce more or less sweet.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- If you prefer not to use bourbon, substitute apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Let the sauce simmer until glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken.
What to Serve With Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is delicious with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas make excellent sides.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until thoroughly heated.