If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, this bourbon chicken recipe hits all the right notes. Inspired by the delicious mall food court staple, this dish combines tender chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze made from bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Whether you want to serve it with rice or noodles, this easy homemade version brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Bold and balanced flavor – It’s a perfect mix of sweet, salty, tangy, and smoky.
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Easy to prepare – Simple ingredients and a quick cooking time.
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Versatile – Great with rice, noodles, or even steamed vegetables.
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Crowd-pleaser – A family favorite that tastes even better than takeout.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make bourbon chicken at home:
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice as a non-alcoholic substitute)
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1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 4 to 6
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
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Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Pat them dry with paper towels for better browning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
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Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Bourbon Sauce
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In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
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Pour in the bourbon (or apple juice) to deglaze the pan.
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Add soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Return Chicken to Pan
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Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce.
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Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with flavor.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
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Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
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Serve hot over rice or noodles.
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Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
What Is Bourbon Chicken?
Despite its name, bourbon chicken isn’t always made with bourbon whiskey. It originated in Chinese-American restaurants and was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The dish reflects both Southern and Asian flavors, making it a unique fusion meal that’s sweet, tangy, and umami-packed.
Alcohol-Free Version
Want to skip the alcohol? Substitute apple juice, white grape juice, or even chicken broth for bourbon. You’ll still get a deliciously rich sauce without the booze.
Tips for Best Results
1. Use Chicken Thighs
They’re juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
2. Sear for Flavor
Browning the chicken adds depth to the overall taste.
3. Adjust Sweetness
Feel free to reduce the brown sugar if you want a less sweet version.
4. Let It Simmer
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce to soak up all the flavor.
Variations to Try
Spicy Bourbon Chicken
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Sticky Bourbon Wings
Use the same sauce to coat baked or fried chicken wings.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Gluten-Free Option
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
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Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
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Garlic Noodles
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Stir-Fried Vegetables
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Roasted Broccoli
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Cauliflower Rice for a low-carb option
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals.
Make-Ahead Tips
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You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it.
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Chicken can be chopped in advance and stored in a zip-top bag.
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Great for meal prep: just reheat and serve!
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving Estimate)
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Calories: ~400
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 18g
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(Note: May vary depending on ingredients and portions used.)
FAQs
Is bourbon chicken alcoholic?
The alcohol in bourbon typically cooks off during simmering, leaving only the flavor behind.
Can I make it in the oven?
Yes! Bake the chicken and pour the sauce over during the last 10 minutes of baking.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Try replacing chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Conclusion
This bourbon chicken recipe is a must-try if you love bold flavors and simple comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping weekday lunches, it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The sticky, sweet sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a timeless favorite that keeps you coming back for more.