Irresistibly Sweet & Tangy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when bourbon chicken sizzles on the stovetop, promising rich flavors and comforting aromas.

Tender pieces of meat caramelize beautifully with a sweet and tangy glaze that makes mouths water instantly.

Southern cooking techniques merge brilliantly with Asian-inspired marinades in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together for a memorable meal.

Restaurant-quality results emerge from just a few simple steps and pantry staples.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite that everyone asks you to make again.

Dive in and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Bourbon Chicken Is Always A Hit

• Craft Flavor-Packed Chicken: Bourbon marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish bursting with complex, tangy-sweet flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Simple searing and simmering method delivers professional-level results with minimal culinary skills, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs.
• Customize Your Meal: Versatile recipe allows easy adaptation with different protein options or serving styles, perfect for personalizing dinner to match your mood or dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Restaurant-quality chicken that impresses family and guests, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love and request again and again.

What You’ll Need To Make Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade well and provides rich flavor for the dish.

• Bourbon, Soy Sauce: Creates a deep, complex flavor profile with rich umami and subtle sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelization and balances the savory elements of the dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ketchup: Contributes a sweet and tangy base to the sauce.

• Garlic, Ginger: Adds depth and traditional Asian-inspired flavor notes to the marinade.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy undertone to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce and gives a glossy finish.

• Green Onions, Black Pepper: Adds fresh, sharp flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Guide For Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and absorb the delicious marinade perfectly.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for half an hour to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, keeping the remaining marinade for later use. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to develop golden-brown edges and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Develop Sauce

Pour reserved marinade into the skillet with seared chicken, stirring to combine and release any delicious browned bits from the pan.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until completely lump-free. Pour into the skillet, continuously stirring to thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating on the chicken.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect consistency and chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and cracked black pepper over the chicken. Plate immediately and serve piping hot alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Pro Tips For Juicy Bourbon Chicken

• Marinate Like a Pro: Let chicken soak in bourbon mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve golden-brown edges and lock in juicy chicken texture.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy coating.
• Temperature Control: Always check chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to ensure safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle chopped green onions just before serving to add a bright, crisp flavor and appealing color contrast.

Easy Ways To Switch Up Bourbon Chicken

• Spicy Thai Bourbon Chicken: Replace bourbon with rice wine and add Thai red curry paste for a Southeast Asian kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap brown sugar with erythritol, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and serve over cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before marinating and cooking using the same technique.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free and carefully selected to maintain the original flavor profile.

Best Pairings With Bourbon Chicken

• Pair with Bold Bourbon Cocktail: Mix bourbon, ginger ale, and a dash of bitters for a complementary drink that echoes the marinade's complex flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Asian Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the chicken's rich, sweet-spicy profile.
• Match with Garlic Jasmine Rice: Prepare fragrant jasmine rice sautéed with minced garlic and a touch of butter to soak up the glossy, caramelized sauce.
• Enhance with Pickled Cucumber Salad: Slice cucumbers thin, quick-pickle in rice vinegar and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a cool, crunchy contrast.

How To Store And Reheat Bourbon Chicken

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce and meat together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs For Bourbon Chicken Lovers

• What makes the bourbon marinade special?

The marinade combines bourbon’s rich flavor with soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices like ginger and red pepper flakes, creating a complex, sweet-and-spicy taste profile that deeply penetrates the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, chicken breasts, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Marinate for exactly 30 minutes, use chicken thighs for juiciness, and avoid overcooking. Searing at medium-high heat and turning occasionally ensures golden edges without drying out the meat.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling bourbon chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with its perfectly glazed, tender meat. Rich bourbon-infused sauce and caramelized edges promise a memorable meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Seasoning and Garnish

• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)

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Instructions

1. Trim and cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
2. Whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl to create a robust marinade.
3. Place chicken pieces into the marinade, thoroughly coating each piece, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and transfer marinated chicken, reserving the remaining marinade for later.
5. Sear chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve golden-brown edges and internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Prepare cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
7. Pour reserved marinade into the skillet with seared chicken, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.
8. Add cornstarch slurry to the skillet, continuously stirring to thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating on the chicken.
9. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency and chicken is fully cooked.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and black pepper over the chicken before serving.
11. Plate and serve hot, preferably over steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Marinating longer than 30 minutes can intensify flavors and tenderize chicken, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Reduce red pepper flakes or omit completely for a milder taste, perfect for those sensitive to spicy foods.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as a leaner alternative to thighs, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg