Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe
When I first made this bourbon chicken, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the most delightful dishes I’ve prepared! The chicken is perfectly tender, and the sauce? Oh, it’s wonderfully sweet, smoky, and sticky with just the right amount of zest.
It reminded me of those delicious meals I used to have at the mall food court, but so much better. What I love the most about this dish is how quick and simple it is to whip up, yet it delivers such big, bold flavors. Trust me, you’ll savor every bite!
Credit: simplyrecipes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish, along with a few tips to help you along the way:
- 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (approximately 3 pounds)
Tip: You can swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier, more tender meat. - 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
Why: This helps crisp up the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully. - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Tip: Use kosher salt for better flavor distribution than regular table salt. - 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Note: Olive oil can work, but a neutral oil like vegetable oil keeps flavors more balanced. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tip: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and flavor much better than pre-minced options. - 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple juice
Why: The apple juice creates a subtly sweet, fruity undertone. - 1/4 cup bourbon
Note: The alcohol cooks out, leaving just its smoky, signature flavor. - 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- 2/3 cup lite soy sauce
Why: Lite soy sauce keeps the saltiness in check while adding umami. - 1/3 cup ketchup
Tip: It adds tang and balances out the sugar for a perfect sweet-savory mix. - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Note: Avoid white sugar; the molasses in brown sugar gives depth to the sweetness. - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Note: This recipe serves about 6 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller groups.
Variations
Want to tweak the recipe to match your needs or preferences? Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check ketchup and broth labels to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
- Low Sugar: Replace half of the brown sugar with a sugar substitute, or use honey for natural sweetness.
- Honey-Garlic Twist: Swap out brown sugar for 1/2 cup honey, and add extra minced garlic for a richer flavor profile.
- Vegetarian: Use extra-firm tofu instead of chicken, and make the sauce with vegetable broth.
For inspiration, check out this skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo recipe.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it’ll take to make this recipe from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet or wok: Perfect for frying the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Sharp knife: To cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces easily.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching non-stick cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy when combining ingredients.
- Small mixing bowl (for making the cornstarch slurry).
How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken?
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into one-inch chunks. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. This will give the chicken a slight crisp as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry half the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove from the skillet and cook the second batch with the remaining oil. Set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Step 4: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Pour water, apple juice, bourbon, chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add the Chicken to the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring all pieces are coated in the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify in flavor.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Prepare a slurry by mixing the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water. Stir this mixture into the skillet until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the bourbon chicken hot on top of steamed rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
Credit: simplyrecipes
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few insights I’ve learned from making this recipe repeatedly:
- If you like more heat, double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of Sriracha.
- Opt for chicken thighs for a richer, juicier texture.
- Always use freshly minced garlic and ginger for a more aromatic and authentic flavor.
- Simmer the sauce a little longer if you prefer it thicker and even more flavorful.
- For an extra layer of crunch, prepare the chicken with a flour-egg-cornstarch triple coat and deep fry it before adding it to the sauce.
How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Serve over steamed white jasmine or basmati rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and color.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a healthier balance.
- Consider adding sesame seeds as a garnish for a nutty crunch.
You might also enjoy this easy smothered chicken recipe for another comforting meal idea.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 559
- Protein: 51g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish holds up well for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it effectively:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this recipe a day in advance, but the chicken’s crispy exterior may soften in the sauce. It’s still delicious when reheated!
- Storing: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is an absolute favorite for so many reasons:
- Quick and Simple: Made in under an hour for a no-fuss meal.
- Flavorful: It’s bursting with sweet, savory, and smoky notes that are perfectly balanced.
- Customizable: You can adjust the levels of sweetness, saltiness, or spice to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal planning.
Give this easy bourbon chicken recipe a try, and bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into one-inch chunks. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. This will give the chicken a slight crisp as it cooks.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry half the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove from the skillet and cook the second batch with the remaining oil. Set the chicken aside.
- Using the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Pour water, apple juice, bourbon, chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring all pieces are coated in the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify in flavor.
- Prepare a slurry by mixing the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water. Stir this mixture into the skillet until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Plate the bourbon chicken hot on top of steamed rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
Notes
- If you like more heat, double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of Sriracha.
- Opt for chicken thighs for a richer, juicier texture.
- Always use freshly minced garlic and ginger for a more aromatic and authentic flavor.
- Simmer the sauce a little longer if you prefer it thicker and even more flavorful.
- For an extra layer of crunch, prepare the chicken with a flour-egg-cornstarch triple coat and deep fry it before adding it to the sauce.
