Introduction

Bourbon chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen in just a few simple steps. It’s perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

A white plate holds a layer of white cooked rice spread evenly as the base. On top is a thick layer of dark brown glazed chicken pieces covered in a shiny sauce, with a few small green herb bits and white sesame seeds sprinkled over for decoration. The chicken looks tender and juicy with the glossy sauce coating each piece well. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra, see notes)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
⅓ cup apple juice
⅓ cup ketchup
¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat the chicken pieces.
Step 2: In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook on one side without stirring for 3 minutes. Turn each piece and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The chicken should be browned but not fully cooked. Remove the browned chicken and set aside. You may need to do this in batches.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Then add chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and return the chicken to the sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half and the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot over steamed rice or proceed to thicken the sauce.
Step 5 (optional): To thicken the sauce, combine ½ to 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Tips & Variations

For a kid-friendly version, omit the bourbon and replace it with extra apple juice or chicken broth.
Using sesame oil instead of vegetable oil adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.
Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Make sure not to crowd the skillet when browning chicken pieces to get a nice sear.
Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with white cooked rice as the bottom layer, topped with several pieces of dark brown glazed chicken covered in shiny sauce with small green herbs sprinkled on top. A pair of wooden chopsticks is holding one piece of the chicken above the rice. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure thighs are cooked through.

What can I substitute for bourbon?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace bourbon with extra apple juice, chicken broth, or a splash of vanilla extract for similar sweetness and depth.