Sweet, Savory, and So Satisfying
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but won’t have you stuck in the kitchen all day, Easy Bourbon Chicken is here to save the day. Imagine tender chicken glazed in a rich, sticky sauce with hints of sweet bourbon, soy, and a touch of warmth from ginger and garlic. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, coating every bite with a glossy, mouthwatering finish. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is impressive—perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual weekend feast.
This recipe hits that perfect balance of sweet and savory with a little kick, and the best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make. So get ready to wow your family or friends with a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in no time.
Why You’ll Love Easy Bourbon Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great served over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable chicken cuts that deliver big flavor.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and straightforward steps for a stress-free cooking experience.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste buds.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults thanks to its irresistible glaze.

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Ingredients in Easy Bourbon Chicken
Let’s break down what makes this dish so delicious:
Chicken Pieces
Tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Bourbon
Adds a warm, sweet depth to the glaze without overpowering.
Soy Sauce
Brings savory umami balance and saltiness to the sauce.
Brown Sugar
For that signature sticky sweetness that caramelizes perfectly.
Garlic and Ginger
Fresh aromatics that infuse the sauce with bold, fragrant flavor.
Cornstarch
Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious, glossy finish.
Oil
For browning the chicken to crispy, golden perfection.
Green Onions (Optional)
Freshly chopped for garnish and a pop of color and mild bite.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Combine Ingredients
Mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to make the sauce.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Ensure your pan is hot enough for searing to get a nice golden crust on the chicken.
Assemble the Dish
Add chicken pieces to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Cook to Perfection
Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken and simmer, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving for a fresh finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles, and get ready to dig into pure comfort!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook chicken and sauce]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Steamed Rice: Classic and simple, perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add freshness and crunch.
Noodles: Egg noodles or rice noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil complement the flavors.
Green Salad: A crisp side salad to lighten the richness.
Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier, comforting meal twist.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop garlic and ginger ahead to speed up the cooking process.
Spice It Up: Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Double the Batch: Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd—just use a bigger pan!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! Chicken breasts work fine, just be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy.
Q2: What if I don’t have bourbon?
A2: Substitute with apple juice, white grape juice, or a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A5: Mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A6: Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli make great additions tossed in during the last few minutes.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A7: Definitely! It’s mildly sweet and savory but you can adjust spice levels to keep it kid-friendly.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat?
A8: Reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce from breaking or in the microwave in short bursts.
Q9: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes! Brown the chicken first, then add sauce ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Q10: What’s a good garnish for this dish?
A10: Fresh chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Conclusion
There you have it—Easy Bourbon Chicken that’s sweet, savory, and irresistibly delicious with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing guests, or just craving something comforting, this recipe is a total winner. So get that skillet ready, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen tonight!
Print
Easy Bourbon Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful bourbon chicken dish with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Use bourbon whiskey for authentic flavor; substitute with apple juice for non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce to taste for desired sweetness and saltiness.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg