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If you have ever wanted to bring a restaurant favorite home without the fuss, this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It is flavorful, tender, and loaded with a gorgeous, sticky sauce that tastes like it took hours to perfect, yet it comes together in under 30 minutes. The perfect balance of sweet bourbon, savory soy, and a hint of garlic makes this dish incredibly irresistible and truly satisfying for any night of the week.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list because each ingredient plays a key role in crafting the rich flavors and delightful texture of the dish. From tender chicken to the sweet, tangy sauce components, these simple pantry staples transform into something truly special.

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-inch pieces): The star protein cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
4 tablespoons cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce perfectly.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the chicken to golden perfection.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a punch of savory flavor.
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce rich and full-bodied.
⅔ cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that balances sweetness.
⅓ cup apple juice: Injects a subtle fruity sweetness to the sauce.
⅓ cup ketchup: Brings tanginess and body to the sauce base.
¼ cup bourbon: The secret ingredient that imparts warmth and complexity.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step creates a thin, crispy crust once cooked and helps the sauce cling to each bite for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the coated chicken in a single layer. Brown the pieces for about six minutes total, flipping halfway through so every side is beautifully golden. This not only enhances the texture but also seals in the juices.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Make the Sauce

Remove the browned chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, briefly sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—just about 30 seconds to avoid burning. Then, add chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Stir and bring everything to a gentle boil, allowing these flavors to meld.

Step 4: Simmer with the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, giving the sauce time to reduce and thicken naturally, coating the chicken in a sticky glaze that’s pure magic.

Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening

If you want your sauce even thicker and more luscious, whisk together a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in slowly. Cook for a minute or two until it reaches your perfect consistency.

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a fresh and nutty touch that complements the rich sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro also brighten the plate and elevate the overall experience.

Side Dishes

This Easy Bourbon Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, which soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a crunchy contrast, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple Asian-style slaw to balance sweet and savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or pile it on top of crispy waffles for a Southern-inspired fusion. You could even use it as a filling in lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh bite that’s perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Bourbon Chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken tender. Stir occasionally to warm evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs provide extra juiciness and tend to stay tender even after simmering. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through completely.

Is the bourbon flavor very strong in this dish?

The bourbon adds warmth and depth without overpowering the dish. The alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind a subtle richness that enhances the sauce beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have apple juice?

You can substitute apple juice with orange juice, pineapple juice, or even water with a splash of vinegar or honey for a similar balance of sweetness and acidity.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Thicken the sauce at the end if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and so simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe has a way of instantly elevating any meal and bringing smiles to the table. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

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Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken pieces coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy bourbon sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients like soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and garlic for an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.

Instructions

Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are evenly coated.
Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and brown them on both sides for about 6 minutes total. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Simmer with Chicken: Lower the heat to medium-low and return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by half and the chicken is cooked through.
Optional Thicken Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute bourbon with apple cider or orange juice if you want a non-alcoholic version.
Be careful when cooking with bourbon as it is flammable; avoid adding it directly to an open flame.
Serving suggestion: Serve over steamed white rice or with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American