Name: Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: Chicken thighs – 1.5 lbs (boneless and skinless (juicy and tender; you can use chicken breast if you prefer lean meat).); Cornstarch – 2 tbsp (helps give the chicken a light crispy coating.); Bourbon – ¼ cup (adds rich depth; swap with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.); Soy sauce – ⅓ cup (go for low-sodium to balance the flavors better.); Brown sugar – ⅓ cup; Ginger – 1 tsp (grated (fresh gives brightness; ground ginger also works).); Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp (balances sweetness with tanginess.); Ketchup – 2 tbsp (adds body and a mild tomato base.); Chicken stock – ⅓ cup (adds savory depth and keeps sauce smooth.)

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Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe | Sweet and Savory Takeout Style

I recently made this bourbon chicken at home, and I have to say—it turned out amazing! The sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce coated every bite of tender chicken.

It reminded me of the kind of dish you’d find at a food court, only fresher and tastier.

I love how quickly it comes together, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. And the best part? Everyone at the table asked for seconds, so I knew I had a keeper!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I used to make this dish taste just right. I’ve also added a few pro tips so you can get the best results.

Chicken thighs – 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless (juicy and tender; you can use chicken breast if you prefer lean meat).
Cornstarch – 2 tbsp (helps give the chicken a light crispy coating).
Bourbon – ¼ cup (adds rich depth; swap with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version).
Soy sauce – ⅓ cup (go for low-sodium to balance the flavors better).
Brown sugar – ⅓ cup (you can use honey or coconut sugar if you prefer natural sweeteners).Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (fresh works best, but garlic powder is okay too).
Ginger – 1 tsp, grated (fresh gives brightness; ground ginger also works).
Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp (balances sweetness with tanginess).
Ketchup – 2 tbsp (adds body and a mild tomato base).
Chicken stock – ⅓ cup (adds savory depth and keeps sauce smooth).

Note: Serves 4 people comfortably.

Variations

Want to change things up? Here are some simple swaps and add-ins I’ve tried:

For a dairy-free version: Nothing to adjust—this recipe is already dairy-free.For extra spice: Add sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes.
For sweetness: Try pineapple juice instead of chicken stock.
For added texture: Toss in bell peppers, onions, or snap peas when simmering.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it took me:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

These tools made the process easier for me:

Non-stick skillet – for cooking chicken evenly without sticking.
Cutting board and sharp knife – to dice the chicken neatly.
Mixing bowls – to whisk the sauce ingredients.
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – gentle on the pan when stirring.
Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the sauce balanced perfectly.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This recipe is super simple to follow. I’ll walk you through exactly how I made it.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

I diced the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and patted them dry with a paper towel. Then, I tossed them in cornstarch for a light coating. This gave them that slightly crispy bite that makes the sauce cling better.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

I heated a little oil in a non-stick skillet and cooked the chicken in small batches. Keeping the pan from overcrowding made sure each piece browned beautifully. It only took a few minutes on each side to get that golden color.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While the chicken cooked, I whisked together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, ketchup, and chicken stock. For a thicker glaze, I mixed in a little cornstarch slurry. This sauce smelled so good even before hitting the pan!

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Once the chicken was cooked, I poured the sauce over it in the skillet. I lowered the heat and let it simmer for about 7–10 minutes. Slowly, the sauce thickened and coated the chicken with that shiny, flavorful glaze.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

As soon as the sauce looked glossy and rich, I removed it from the heat. I sprinkled some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. It was ready to serve—and looked like a restaurant-quality meal!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, here are a few little things that made the dish even tastier:

I always pat the chicken dry before cooking—it really helps with browning.
If I want more crispiness, I double-coat the chicken in cornstarch.
Adding a splash of pineapple juice makes the sauce a bit fruitier and fresh.
I noticed that simmering the sauce slowly brings out deeper flavor.

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken?

I love serving this over a bed of fluffy rice because it soaks up every drop of that amazing sauce. Sometimes I add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for balance. It also works great in lettuce wraps if I want something lighter. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro makes it extra pretty on the plate.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (serves 4):

Calories: 320
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fat: 12 g

Make Ahead and Storag

Storing: I keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I freeze it (with the sauce) in a zip bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock so the sauce stays smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is one of my weeknight favorites, and here’s why:

It’s quick—ready in just 30 minutes.
Super versatile—you can change the sweetness, spice, or veggies.
It works for families—kids love the sweet sauce.
It’s budget-friendly—made with pantry staples.
Best of all, it feels like takeout but tastes fresher and healthier.

Ash Tyrrell