Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This Bourbon Chicken Recipe features tender pieces of boneless chicken thighs coated in a glossy, sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon. The chicken is quickly browned in a skillet before being finished in the flavorful sauce, giving every bite a rich, caramelized coating.

Served over steamed rice with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, this easy chicken dinner brings takeout-style flavor to your kitchen with simple ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Recipe: Bourbon Chicken
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American-Asian Inspired
• Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 750 g (1.65 lbs) skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

For the Bourbon Sauce

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce, low-sodium if preferred
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, low-sodium if preferred
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 180 ml (3/4 cup) chicken stock, low-sodium if preferred
• 4 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 5 tablespoons light brown sugar

Non-alcoholic option: Replace the bourbon with 4 tablespoons apple juice plus 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

To Serve

• Boiled rice or egg fried rice
• Spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Bourbon Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Place the chicken in a bowl and add the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly coated.

The cornstarch helps the chicken develop a lightly crisp exterior while also helping the sauce cling to the meat.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, chicken stock, bourbon, and brown sugar.

Whisk until the cornstarch has completely dissolved.

Set the sauce aside while you cook the chicken.

3. Brown the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer. If your pan is small, cook the chicken in batches rather than overcrowding it.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Cook the Garlic and Ginger

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the same skillet. Stir-fry for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

5. Add the Bourbon Sauce

Give the sauce mixture another quick whisk because the cornstarch may have settled.

Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir continuously.

Bring it to a gentle simmer. As it heats, the cornstarch will begin thickening the sauce.

Cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

6. Return the Chicken

Add the browned chicken back to the skillet.

Stir well so every piece is coated in the thick, glossy sauce.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce and the flavors to come together.

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Serve

Spoon the Bourbon Chicken over boiled rice or egg fried rice.

Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds.

Serve hot.

Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender and are especially good with the sticky sauce.
• Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook at the same rate.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Crowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
• Whisk the sauce before adding it: Cornstarch settles quickly, so mix it again before pouring.
• Watch the garlic: It only needs a short time to become fragrant.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce: This gives you more control over the saltiness of the finished dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used instead. Keep an eye on the cooking time because chicken breast can become dry if overcooked.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is ideal for creating the lightly crisp chicken coating and thickening the sauce. Potato starch can work as an alternative.

Bourbon

Use the listed apple juice and Worcestershire sauce combination if you prefer not to use bourbon.

Soy Sauce

Reduced-sodium soy sauce can be used to lower the overall saltiness. Tamari is another option, especially if you need a gluten-free alternative, provided the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Chicken Stock

Vegetable stock can be used if necessary, although chicken stock gives the sauce a richer flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Bourbon Chicken

Add 1/2–1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a little Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.

Bourbon Chicken with Vegetables

Add broccoli, sliced bell peppers, onions, or snap peas during the final stage of cooking for a complete one-pan meal.

Bourbon Chicken Bowls

Serve the chicken over rice with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, cucumber, and green onions for an easy rice bowl.

Extra-Garlicky Bourbon Chicken

Add another clove or two of fresh garlic if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor.

How to Store

Allow leftover Bourbon Chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has become too thick.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Bourbon Chicken is especially good served with:

• Steamed white rice
• Brown rice
• Egg fried rice
• Fried rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Asian cucumber salad
• Sautéed green beans

Finish with sesame seeds and fresh spring onions for extra freshness and crunch.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings and served without rice:

• Calories: 490
• Protein: 43g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 1,150mg

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bourbon Chicken taste like?

Bourbon Chicken has a sweet, savory, slightly smoky flavor. Brown sugar provides sweetness while soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Garlic, ginger, and bourbon round out the sauce.

Can I make Bourbon Chicken without alcohol?

Yes. Replace the bourbon with 4 tablespoons apple juice plus 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. This creates a flavorful alternative without using bourbon.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast works well, but thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. If using breast meat, avoid overcooking it.

Why use cornstarch on the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the chicken brown and gives the finished pieces a slightly crisp exterior. It also helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch in the sauce naturally thickens it as it simmers. If the sauce is still too thin, let it simmer uncovered for another minute or two while stirring.

Can I make Bourbon Chicken ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce, let them cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.

Is Bourbon Chicken spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy. If you enjoy heat, add Sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh chili peppers to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Chicken Recipe is an easy way to make a sweet and savory chicken dinner at home. Tender chicken thighs are browned until golden, then coated in a glossy sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Serve it over rice and finish it with spring onions and sesame seeds for a simple meal that brings plenty of takeout-style flavor to the dinner table.

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