Name: Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1/3 cup bourbon; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3 green onions, chopped thinly for garnish

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a good Bourbon Chicken Recipe — it’s sweet, savory, and just a little boozy in the best way. I first discovered this dish when I wanted something quick to make but bold in flavor, and it’s since become a staple for those nights when you need a dinner that feels exciting but comes together without drama. It’s perfect whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd because it scales easily and always impresses.

This particular Bourbon Chicken Recipe hits that delicious balance thanks to the bourbon’s subtle warmth, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the savory soy sauce that brings everything home. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients, so you can whip it up any night of the week without a grocery run. If you love Asian-inspired flavors but want something easy and a little different from your usual stir-fry, this recipe really delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bourbon Chicken Recipe plays an important role to create that perfect harmony of taste. I’ve found that using fresh garlic and good-quality bourbon makes a surprisingly noticeable difference, so keep an eye out for those when shopping.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs have extra juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding a mild fruity flavor.
Bourbon: The star of the show — choose a decent quality one for that warm, caramel flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds savory richness and salty depth to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Used to thin out the sauce and add subtle umami notes.
Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that sticky, glaze-like finish.
Ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Onion powder: Boosts the savory elements without overpowering the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a little heat; you can adjust this to taste.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a punch of aromatic flavor.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce into that perfect glossy coating on the chicken.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for garnish, adding freshness and texture at the end.

Variations

I love tweaking this Bourbon Chicken Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own — that’s part of the fun!

Use chicken drumsticks: Sometimes I use drumsticks for a fun finger-food vibe and the slow braise makes them super tender.
Spice it up: Adding more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha gives a nice spicy twist if you like heat.
Swap bourbon for whiskey or brandy: If you don’t have bourbon on hand, these alternatives work similarly well and give a slightly different flavor profile.
Make it gluten-free: Just use tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’re set!
Vegetable addition: Toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas toward the end to add color and a fresh crunch.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown Your Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size pieces — I find this helps the sauce cling to every piece better. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of browning. Cook until golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes, turning carefully. This step locks in flavor and texture, so take your time here!

Step 2: Whip Up the Bourbon Sauce

Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the bourbon, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together well, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan — that’s pure flavor right there! Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce and the chicken to soak up all those rich flavors. Keep an eye to avoid burning the sugar!

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix your cornstarch with a little cold water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into your simmering sauce while stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce start to thicken into a glossy glaze that coats your chicken beautifully — this usually takes just a minute or two. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it back up.

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I never skip the green onions on top — they add a fresh, vibrant pop and a bit of crunch that contrasts the saucy chicken perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a few sesame seeds, too, for a toasty nutty finish that’s just a little extra.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Bourbon Chicken Recipe are steamed jasmine rice or a simple garlic fried rice — they soak up the sauce wonderfully. Occasionally, I’ll serve it alongside sautéed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh vegetable hit that balances the dish nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this Bourbon Chicken Recipe in cute mini lettuce cups or over a bed of coconut rice with a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut and chopped cilantro. It feels festive and fresh, great for entertaining friends or family when you want to impress without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers of this Bourbon Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes I actually prefer it the next day! Just be sure to cool it slightly before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well — I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave the sauce a little thinner than usual, so it doesn’t get too thick when reheated.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. This method keeps the chicken juicy and prevents drying out, which can happen in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this Bourbon Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs and breasts are traditional and best for this recipe, pork tenderloin or even firm tofu can be excellent substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for tofu, which needs less time.
Is the alcohol in the bourbon cooked off?

Yes, when you simmer the bourbon in the sauce, most of the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind that wonderful caramel and vanilla flavor without the boozy kick. If you want to be extra cautious, simmer the sauce a bit longer before eating.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender?

Choosing chicken thighs helps since they’re naturally juicier. Avoid overcooking by browning the chicken first and then simmering gently in the sauce just until cooked through—usually about 10 minutes. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure perfect doneness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with sensitivities.
What sides work best with Bourbon Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice are perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also pair it with simple steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that feels a little special and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, even if I didn’t. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and so adaptable to your tastes and pantry. Give it a try next time you want a meal that’s quick, tasty, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table — I think you’re really going to enjoy it!