The Ultimate Bourbon Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a mouthwatering easy bourbon chicken recipe brings joy to weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Succulent pieces of poultry marinate in a sweet and tangy sauce that promises incredible flavor.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

Pantry staples like soy sauce and brown sugar create a delectable glaze that clings perfectly to each chicken piece.

Weeknight meals become exciting culinary adventures when you experiment with bold, balanced marinades.

Minimal prep work means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Let’s dive into this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavorful Highlights in Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: A hearty soup that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Packed with protein and vegetables, this one-pot wonder saves precious time while delivering maximum satisfaction for hungry families.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, cheesy texture and familiar cheeseburger-inspired taste that transforms a simple soup into a memorable meal.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for chilly evenings, quick weeknight dinners, or when you need a satisfying dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Easy Bourbon Chicken: Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken: Tender pieces that form the main protein of this delicious dish.

• Bourbon: Provides a rich, deep flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami depth to the sauce.
• Apple Juice: Brings a subtle sweetness and helps balance the flavors.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized sweetness in the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide warm, aromatic notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and subtle kick to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.

Preparing Easy Bourbon Chicken in the Kitchen

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color on all sides.

The goal is to create a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in flavor.

Step 2: Craft The Flavor Explosion

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple juice
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Blend these ingredients until they create a harmonious and tantalizing sauce.

Step 3: Simmer And Infuse

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently.

Allow the sauce to coat the chicken completely and cook for 10-15 minutes. This slow cooking process helps the chicken become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 4: Thicken The Magic

Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water. Stir this into the skillet to transform the sauce into a luscious, glossy coating.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure an even thickness.

Step 5: Plate And Serve

Transfer the bourbon-glazed chicken to a serving platter.

Nestle the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favorite side dishes. The result is a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Advice for Easy Bourbon Chicken Excellence

• Opt for chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor, as they remain more tender during cooking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference, reducing or increasing for milder or spicier results.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better sauce absorption.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that still maintains great taste.

Changing Up Easy Bourbon Chicken Flavors

• Spicy Citrus Bourbon Chicken: Replace apple juice with orange juice and add extra red pepper flakes for a zesty kick. Garnish with fresh orange zest for bright flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Bourbon Glazed Chicken: Swap soy sauce for tamari, add sesame oil, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve with steamed bok choy for an authentic touch.
• Honey Mustard Bourbon Chicken: Substitute brown sugar with honey and mix in Dijon mustard. Reduce bourbon amount and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tangy depth.
• Smoky Maple Bourbon Chicken: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika. Finish with chopped green onions for fresh contrast.

Bringing Easy Bourbon Chicken to Gatherings

• Rustic Family Dinner Platter: Arrange golden bourbon chicken over fluffy white rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed broccoli for a balanced meal that feels warm and comforting.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack chicken portions in meal prep containers with separated rice and sauce. Perfect for grab-and-go lunches, this option keeps flavors fresh and meals convenient for busy professionals.
• Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Transform the chicken into delightful hand-held wraps using crisp butter lettuce leaves. Top with extra sauce, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro for a light, refreshing twist on the classic recipe.

Keeping Easy Bourbon Chicken Moist Overnight

• Store leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Portion cooked Bourbon Chicken into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with the date and contents for convenient tracking.

FAQs

• What kind of bourbon works best for this recipe?

Any bourbon will work, but choose a mid-range bourbon like Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark for good flavor without wasting expensive whiskey.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder version. The dish will still have great flavor without the heat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

No, the traditional recipe contains soy sauce which has gluten. You’ll need to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free compatible.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy bourbon chicken highlights Southern-inspired cooking with tender meat glazed in sweet-tangy sauce. Rich marinade and quick skillet preparation deliver classic comfort flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on all surfaces, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Pour the aromatic sauce directly over the browned chicken, reducing heat to low and allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, ensuring chicken is fully cooked and absorbing the rich flavors.
4. Create a smooth cornstarch slurry and gradually incorporate it into the skillet, stirring continuously to develop a glossy, thickened sauce consistency, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer the succulent bourbon-infused chicken to a serving platter, spooning the luxurious sauce over the meat and accompanying with steamed rice or your preferred side dish for a complete meal.

Notes

• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish more heart-healthy without compromising taste.
• Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent any undercooked sections.
• Marinate chicken beforehand for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg