Bourbon Chicken: a weeknight method

Bourbon chicken in a skillet coated in sauce and topped with green onions.

This bourbon chicken recipe is a remake of the food court classic. The chicken is coated in an irresistible sweet and sticky sauce and is sure to become a family go-to!

I’m all about making my go-to restaurant meals at home. My family loves when I cook chicken scallopini, chicken riggies, beef and broccoli stir fry, kitchen-made egg rolls, and this straightforward bourbon chicken.

Bourbon chicken is one of those dishes that always seems to pop up in the mall food courts. It actually originated in New Orleans and is named both for Bourbon Street and for the bourbon in the sauce, even though it has a decidedly Asian flavor. Whatever the origins, it’s totally tasty and super straightforward to make at home!

Bourbon Chicken Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, cornstarch and green onions.

How Do You Make Bourbon Chicken?

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it in a large skillet with a little oil until it is golden brown. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce and cornstarch. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, bring to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is thick. Sprinkle with green onions as a garnish, then serve and enjoy.

A pan of bourbon chicken with a serving spoon in it.

Tips For The Reliable Dish

Cut your chicken into bite sized pieces to make it easier to eat. I often use kitchen shears to make this job go a little smoother.
I recommend using low sodium soy sauce so that you can control the overall salt level of the dish.
Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when you sear your chicken. If the chicken pieces are touching, they may steam and you won’t get that great golden brown crust.
Bourbon chicken is great when served with rice or noodles and a vegetable. Try my vegetable stir fry for an straightforward and tasty side dish!
Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also put this dish in the freezer for 2 months.

Quick Tip

No chicken thighs on hand? Boneless skinless chicken breasts will also work well.

Sweet and savory chicken served over a bowl of rice.

Recipe FAQs

Does bourbon chicken contain bourbon?

This recipe does call for bourbon, hence the name. The alcohol evaporates as the sauce simmers, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute apple juice and it’ll still be tasty. I’ve made it both ways and they’re honestly both great.

What is bourbon chicken sauce made of?

Bourbon chicken sauce is made with bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce and cornstarch.

What does bourbon chicken taste like?

Bourbon chicken has a sweet and savory flavor profile. It has sweetness from the brown sugar, a savory flavor from the soy sauce, and a little tang from the vinegar.

FOLLOW ME

Flavor Variations

This recipe is tasty as written, but you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.

Protein: Swap out the chicken thighs for other types of protein such as chicken breast, ground chicken, shrimp, pork tenderloin or flank steak.
Vegetables: You can add some veggies to the pan after you cook your chicken and before you add the garlic. Great options include thinly sliced carrots, cauliflower, broccoli florets, zucchini or mushrooms.
Flavorings: Feel free to add other ingredients to the sauce to amp up the flavor. Some great options include ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds or a bit of toasted sesame oil.

My kids even love this chicken, there’s just something about that sweet and sticky sauce that’s totally irresistible!

More Great Chicken Recipes

Mango Chicken

30 mins

A roasted chicken in a pan garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

1 hr 30 mins

Arroz con Pollo

1 hr 10 mins

Sesame Chicken

40 mins

Sweet and Sour Chicken

50 mins

Bourbon Chicken Video

Love This Recipe?

Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen

This bourbon chicken recipe is a remake of the food court classic. The chicken is coated in an irresistible sweet and sticky sauce and is sure to become a family go-to! Time Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes

Course Main
Cuisine Asian
Serves 5

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sliced green onions optional

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
While the chicken is cooking. In a medium bowl whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce and cornstarch.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
Sprinkle with green onions and serve immediately, over rice if desired.

Notes

Cut your chicken into bite sized pieces to make it easier to eat. I often use kitchen shears to make this job go a little smoother.
Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when you sear your chicken. If the chicken pieces are touching, they may steam and you won’t get that great golden brown crust.
Apple juice can be substituted for the bourbon.