There is something irresistibly comforting about Easy Bourbon Chicken. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with a luscious, caramelized bourbon sauce that’s sweet, savory, and packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers big on taste without any complicated steps. The perfect balance of brown sugar, soy sauce, and a splash of bourbon creates a mouthwatering glaze that makes this chicken utterly addictive.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Easy Bourbon Chicken is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, from coating the chicken to crafting the rich, sticky sauce that defines the dish’s character.

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-inch pieces): The chicken forms the tender base, and cutting into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and maximum saucy goodness.
4 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps create the perfect crispy coating and thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for sautéing the chicken to a golden brown without overpowering the flavors.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds an aromatic punch and deepens the savory profile of the dish.
1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base that balances the sweetness of the sauce expertly.
⅔ cup soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, grounding the sauce and enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
⅓ cup apple juice: A subtle fruity sweetness that brightens the sauce and complements the bourbon beautifully.
⅓ cup ketchup: Adds tang and body to the sauce, rounding out the flavor layers with a hint of acidity.
¼ cup bourbon: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with its signature warm, caramel notes.
1 cup brown sugar: This sweet powerhouse caramelizes gently, creating the sticky glaze that makes your Easy Bourbon Chicken unforgettable.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start off by mixing the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this mix until every piece is lightly coated. This creates a light crust on the chicken, ensuring each bite has a wonderfully crisp texture that holds up beautifully against the sticky sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and brown them on both sides, which should take about 6 minutes total. You’ll want a nice golden crust here, but remember the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Sauce Ingredients

Remove the browned chicken from the skillet momentarily. Then add the minced garlic to the same pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil — this is where that incredible sauce begins to develop.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Reduce the heat to a low simmer and carefully return the chicken to the skillet. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens and reduces by about half. This simmer allows the chicken to soak up all those decadent flavors, turning it tender and bursting with that rich bourbon-infused taste.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the skillet. Allow the sauce to cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency. This final touch ensures your Easy Bourbon Chicken has that glossy, clinging sauce that makes this dish so special.

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh crunch that contrasts perfectly with the saucy chicken. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the flavors and add a welcoming pop of color.

Side Dishes

This Easy Bourbon Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides. Steamed white rice or jasmine rice is a classic choice, soaking up every tantalizing drop of the sauce. For something lighter, try a crisp Asian slaw or sautéed green beans to bring texture and brightness to your plate. Roasted vegetables or even buttery mashed potatoes can also complement the dish wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that still delivers all the flavor. You can also spoon it over cooked quinoa or mix it into a noodle bowl with some crunchy peanuts for an exciting texture mix. Let your creativity flow and adapt this Easy Bourbon Chicken to whatever you have or prefer on hand!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Bourbon Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools, but a gentle reheat will bring it back to its perfect, glossy state.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to preserve quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Heat until warmed through to enjoy the full depth of flavor just like when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add a bit more richness and juiciness, and they hold up wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on thickness.

Is it necessary to use bourbon? Can I substitute it?

Bourbon is key to that signature flavor of Easy Bourbon Chicken, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, use apple juice or a combination of apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract for a similar sweet aroma and flavor profile.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle warmth, or toss in a diced fresh chili for more heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level for a delightful kick.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time and combine them shortly before serving. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy.

What should I do if the sauce is too sweet?

If your sauce tastes too sweet, brighten it up with a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice. These acidic notes balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor harmony.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is a true game-changer when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take all day in the kitchen. Its rich, sticky sauce and tender chicken pieces create a combination that’s sure to win over anyone at your dinner table. Give it a try and see how this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish can quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast coated in a flavorful bourbon-infused sauce. The sweet and savory glaze comes together quickly using simple ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and comforting.

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, ensuring a nice crust when cooked.
Brown the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then, pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce by half and the chicken to cook through fully.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix additional cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Serve hot over rice or your preferred side.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a small amount of soy sauce and bourbon for 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust the brown sugar to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
Use apple juice or substitute with pineapple juice for a slightly different fruity note.
If you want a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust salt accordingly.
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
The optional cornstarch slurry is helpful to get a glossy and clingy sauce that’s perfect for coating the chicken.

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