Bourbon Chicken Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of a sizzling skillet of bourbon chicken wafting through your kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Inspired by the popular mall food court classic, bourbon chicken is a dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your dining table.
What makes bourbon chicken truly special is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple salad, making it an all-in-one crowd-pleaser.
Plus, with its sticky, caramelized glaze, it has that addictive quality that leaves you craving more with every bite.
As we step into the colder months (or any season, really), comfort food takes center stage, and this dish checks all the boxes.
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, bourbon chicken is perfect for a cozy night in. So, grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this easy-to-make yet utterly delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and bourbon (optional!) creates an irresistible sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet and savory notes of this chicken dish.
- Customizable: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even roasted veggies for a complete meal. You can also adjust the sweetness or spice to suit your taste.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the takeout and make this better-than-mall-court classic in your own kitchen!
Ingredient List
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup bourbon (optional) or apple juice as a substitute
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
More Recipes >>>>>> Yummy Chicken Enchiladas
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork (for the cornstarch slurry)
- Tongs
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.
More Recipes >>>>>>>> Savory Roasted Whole Chicken

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, thighs are more forgiving and stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
- Skip the Bourbon If Needed: If you’re avoiding alcohol, apple juice or chicken broth makes an excellent substitute without compromising the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch ensures a light, crispy exterior that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients so you can drizzle it over rice or veggies.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Bourbon chicken reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Bourbon: If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace it with apple juice, chicken broth, or even pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a natural sweetener.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or rice vinegar works just as well.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Use ½ teaspoon each of ground ginger and garlic powder if fresh ingredients aren’t available.
Variations:
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of steamed rice.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition.
More Recipes >>>>>>>>> Tasty Chicken Florentine
Serving Suggestions
Bourbon chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Steamed Rice: Classic white or jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly.
- Noodles: Serve with lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti for a hearty meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers complements the sweet and savory flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a cozy, comfort-food vibe.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: A fresh, crunchy cabbage slaw with sesame dressing balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, fun-to-eat option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Oven: Reheat in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, adding a bit of sauce to keep it moist.
FAQ
Q: Can I make bourbon chicken without bourbon?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as delicious.
Q: Is bourbon chicken spicy?
A: The traditional recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a kick of heat.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture.
Q: Can I meal prep bourbon chicken?
A: Definitely! Bourbon chicken stores and reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Pair it with rice and veggies for a complete make-ahead meal.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, bake the chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked, then toss them in the sauce for a healthier alternative.
Q: What type of bourbon is best for this recipe?
A: Use a mid-range bourbon that you enjoy drinking. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, caramel-like flavor, so no need to use an expensive bottle.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds 700g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup bourbon optional or apple juice as a substitute
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water slurry
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve and Garnish:
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350-400 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~25-30g
- Sugars: ~15-20g
- Fat: ~10-12g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~90-100mg
- Sodium: ~700-800mg (may vary depending on soy sauce used).
- Fiber: ~1g
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.