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Bourbon Chicken is juicy, tender chicken thighs cut into pieces simmered in a sweet, brown sugar glaze that will melt in your mouth!
Reasons You Will LOVE This Chicken Recipe
- The flavor is out of this world: The rick and thick sauce covers all of the chicken and is made out of bourbon and brown sugar as the base! YUM.
- Easy: This recipe uses simple ingredients. No need to run to the store for any fancy seasonings!
- Ready in 30 Minutes: This recipe is quick to whip up, and the leftovers are incredible! Serve it with some Perfectly Soft Buttery Rolls and this Creamy Cucumber Salad to complete your meal!
Ingredients in Bourbon Chicken
All the ingredients are most you already have in your pantry and they are ready to go with one bowl whisked together. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.
- Chicken Thighs: I like using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts because they have more flavor. The meat is extra tender and juicy when simmered in the glaze.
- Olive Oil: This is used to cook the chicken but also adds some flavor!
- Bourbon: This is rich in flavor, and the alcohol cooks out when simmered with the glaze. If you don’t want to use bourbon, you can use apple cider instead!
- Soy Sauce: brings added flavor and a pinch of salty taste.
- Brown Sugar: I use light brown sugar in this recipe, but dark will work fine too!
- Garlic Cloves: I can’t resist adding a hint of garlic to the recipe!
- Cornstarch: This coats the chicken making it a little crispy on the outside.
- Water: This is added to the sauce. Add more or less depending on the consistency that you like.
- Sliced Green Onions: These are optional but I love adding them as a garnish on top!
How to Cook Bourbon Chicken
When you combine these ingredients, they are so delicious! It is a tried and true recipe that is a family favorite.
- Cook the chicken: In a medium sized skillet over medium high heat add the olive oil and chicken. Cook until brown and no longer pink.
- Whisk together sauce: In a small bowl whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Whisk together cornstarch and water and add to the sauce.
- Combine chicken and sauce in a skillet: Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens up. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
So many people want to cook this bourbon chicken in the crockpot and let me tell you, it’s so delicious and it makes a great slow cooker meal! Find all of the info on my post: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.
Bourbon Chicken Substitutes and Variations
- Thighs or Chicken Breasts: I use chicken thighs but you are welcome to use chicken breasts instead Chicken thighs are more tender and juicy while using chicken breasts reduces the fat.
- Bourbon Substitute: If you don’t have bourbon, then you can use apple cider instead!
- Does the Bourbon Burn Off? The alcohol from the bourbon evaporates completely while cooking. It is safe for children to eat.
- For crispier chicken: Dip your chicken in a beaten egg and roll into flour. Then fry it in some oil for a crispier chicken before adding the sauce.
- Add some spice: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or paprika to the glaze when whisking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Bourbon Chicken
Storing
- In the Refrigerator: Once your chicken has cooled then you can store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: Bourbon chicken is great to freeze! Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label it with the date!
Reheating
If you are reheating frozen leftovers, thaw them in your fridge overnight before you reheat them.
- In the Microwave: Heat in 1-2 minute intervals on high, stirring in between.
- On the Stovetop: Reheat your bourbon chicken over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try!
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Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is juicy, tender chicken thighs cut into pieces simmered in a sweet, brown sugar glaze that will melt in your mouth!
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts cut into one inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon*
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium sized skillet over medium high heat add the olive oil and chicken. Cook until brown and no longer pink.
- In a small bowl whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Whisk together cornstarch and water and add to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens up. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Video
Notes
*Can substitute with apple cider.
Originally Posted on September 10, 2019
Updated on August 20, 2024
Nutrition
Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 11gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 856mgPotassium: 161mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 44IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
Not too salty but not sweet enough, it doesn’t hit the food court mall bourbon chicken flavor . I’ve seen other recipes that add apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar and ketchup as well . Over all it was fine with the scallions some rice and topped with sesame seeds .
A little too salty for my domestic partner and my taste. A little less soy sauce and then it’s perfect
Made this for dinner, but used the sauce measurements for the crockpot version, and doubled them. We like a lot of sauce. I served it with your maple glazed roasted Brussel sprouts and butternut squash and Basmati rice, to keep the flavor profile the same I made your bourbon pecan pie. EVERYONE loved dinner! This is the 2nd time I’ve made this and it is absolutely amazing and so easy to make!
There’s no bourbon in bourbon chicken! Do your homework people! It’s named after the Chinese dude who created it while working at a restaurant on Bourbon street in New Orleans
What is Bourbon Street famous for? I can’t seem to remember?
I’m pretty sure there are zero Chinese people named Bourbon.
This is, quite possibly, the most horrific thing that has ever entered my mouth. I have sinned so greatly by serving this dish that God himself weeps at the monstrosity I have created. Even Satan would think it too harsh to feed this to another being. I’m fairly certain I will be sent to jail for poisoning my family.