This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its sticky, sweet sauce bursting with flavor, this dish brings restaurant-quality dining right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a deliciously addictive glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even salad greens for a fresh twist. You can adapt it to suit your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly Options: Check the notes for a bourbon-free version that’s perfect for the little ones without sacrificing flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The Bourbon Chicken can be prepared in advance and reheated for easy meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or pot: A large skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken while providing enough space for the sauce to simmer.
- Medium mixing bowl: This is essential for coating the chicken evenly with cornstarch, ensuring a crispy texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your bourbon sauce.
Ingredients
This easy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken recipe is absolutely addicting, thanks to a sticky sweet Bourbon sauce with lots of flavor! Read the notes for a kid-friendly version without bourbon.
For the Chicken
- 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
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 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!)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
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: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Add the coated chicken pieces.
2. Cook on one side without stirring for 3 minutes.
3. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned.
4. Remove browned chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then:
1. Add all remaining sauce ingredients (chicken broth through red pepper flakes).
2. Stir well and bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 4: Simmer Together
Reduce heat to low and add chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer:
1. Cook for about 10 minutes until sauce is reduced by half.
2. Serve bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice or proceed to thicken if desired.
Step 5: Optional Thickening
To thicken the sauce:
1. Combine ½ – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
2. Stir into sauce and let simmer for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Bourbon Chicken!
How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken
Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of a restaurant right to your home. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and can be garnished to elevate its presentation.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed jasmine or white rice is the perfect base for absorbing the rich bourbon sauce, making it a satisfying meal.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Include colorful stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a nutritious and vibrant addition to your plate.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fresh twist, serve the bourbon chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, topped with shredded carrots and chopped peanuts.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- Quinoa provides a protein-packed alternative to rice, and its nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the bourbon sauce.
Topped with Green Onions
- Garnishing with sliced green onions adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing both taste and appearance.
With Crushed Peanuts
- For added crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top. They add texture and pair well with the sweetness of the dish.
How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken
To achieve restaurant-quality Easy Bourbon Chicken at home, follow these simple tips for the best results.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken enhance flavor. The better your ingredients, the tastier your dish will be.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even browning of the chicken. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or apple juice based on your preference.
Control Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes gradually. This allows you to control how spicy you want your bourbon chicken to be.
Let It Rest: After cooking, allow your dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Garnish Creatively: A simple garnish like green onions or sesame seeds can elevate your dish’s presentation and appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken
When planning your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that complement Easy Bourbon Chicken perfectly.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful option that incorporates vegetables and eggs for added nutrition.
- Garlic Noodles: These buttery noodles provide a rich contrast to the sweet bourbon sauce.
- Roasted Broccoli: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, roasted broccoli adds a healthy crunch.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances out the sweetness of bourbon chicken and adds texture.
- Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or fried potatoes create a hearty side that pairs well with any sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds freshness and fun to your dinner plate while keeping it casual.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad offers a light crunch that complements the rich flavors of bourbon chicken.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings are great for soaking up any extra sauce from your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping the cornstarch coating: This step helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly before cooking.
Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can steam it instead of browning it. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of the sauce components can alter the flavor. Always measure ingredients carefully for best results.
Ignoring simmering time: Skipping the simmering step can result in a watery sauce. Allow enough time for the sauce to reduce and thicken properly.
Using regular soy sauce: Regular soy sauce can make the dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness better.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Bourbon Chicken?
Easy Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish known for its sticky sweet bourbon sauce, featuring tender chicken pieces. It’s often served over rice and makes a delicious meal option.
Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
Yes! To create a kid-friendly version, simply omit the bourbon and replace it with extra apple juice or chicken broth for added flavor without alcohol.
How do I customize Easy Bourbon Chicken?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to enhance nutrition and color. Adjust spice levels by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.
What should I serve with Easy Bourbon Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dish that will surely impress everyone at your table!
Easy Bourbon Chicken
This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet bourbon sauce, this dish is both flavorful and versatile. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even salad greens. With options for a kid-friendly version that omits the bourbon, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it over steamed rice or in crisp lettuce wraps for a fresh twist, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or cozy evening.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chopped)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ⅔ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup apple juice
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss in chicken pieces.
- Brown the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned on both sides and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic in the skillet, add all sauce ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Simmer together: Add chicken back to the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes until reduced.
- Optional thickening: Mix additional cornstarch with water and stir into sauce; simmer for another 2 minutes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For a kid-friendly option, omit bourbon and substitute with extra apple juice or broth. Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps to suit your preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to three months.
