Homemade Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Bliss

Succulent bourbon chicken dances with sweet and savory flavors that’ll make your taste buds celebrate.

Marinating meat in rich bourbon creates depth beyond typical dinner options.

Kentucky’s signature spirit infuses each tender bite with complex undertones.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected techniques.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish promises restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy a gourmet meal without hours of cooking.

One bite transports you to a world of delicious southern-inspired comfort food that beckons you to start cooking now.

Flavor Combos For Bourbon Chicken

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer marinated chicken to slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours, creating tender, fall-apart meat with minimal effort.
• Spicy Korean Remix: Replace bourbon with gochujang, add sesame oil, swap ketchup for gochugaru, delivering a fiery Korean-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, coconut aminos as alternative, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising taste.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing protein to remove moisture before marinating and cooking, maintaining similar texture and depth of flavor.

Best Things To Serve With Bourbon Chicken

• Pair Bourbon Chicken with Bold Beverages
• Complement this sweet and tangy dish with a robust red wine like Zinfandel, which matches the bourbon's rich depth and cuts through the meat's richness.
• Match with Crisp Cocktails
• Create a bourbon-based cocktail like an Old Fashioned to echo the recipe's bourbon profile, enhancing the meal's overall flavor complexity and providing a sophisticated drinking experience.
• Elevate with Refreshing Sides
• Serve alongside a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil, which provides a cool, light contrast to the chicken's intense, caramelized sauce and helps balance the dish's bold flavors.

Smart Ways To Store Bourbon Chicken

• Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.

Common Questions About Bourbon Chicken

• What type of bourbon works best for this recipe?

Choose a bourbon with good flavor like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Wild Turkey. Mid-range bourbons provide excellent taste without being too expensive.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes to lower heat level. For mild version, use just a tiny pinch or skip entirely.

• How can I ensure chicken stays tender?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut into uniform pieces, marinate exactly 30 minutes, and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the marinade into a glossy, restaurant-quality glaze. It prevents sauce from being watery and creates a rich, coating texture on the chicken.

Why Bourbon Chicken Is Always A Hit

• Simplify Cooking Process: Break down complex flavors into easy steps that even novice cooks can master, transforming intimidating cooking techniques into approachable kitchen adventures.
• Customize Flavor Intensity: Adjust spice levels by modifying red pepper flakes and black pepper, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through without compromising the dish's core character.
• Create Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this bourbon-glazed chicken offers a restaurant-quality experience with minimal kitchen effort.
• Maximize Ingredient Potential: Transform basic pantry staples into a sophisticated dish that delivers complex flavor profiles through strategic marinating and glazing techniques.

All You Need For Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that serves as the primary ingredient, providing protein and absorbing the rich marinade flavors.

• Bourbon: A rich, caramel-like alcohol that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: A salty, umami-rich condiment that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: A sweet ingredient that balances the savory elements and helps create caramelization.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy liquid that adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ketchup: A sweet and tangy base that contributes to the sauce's depth and color.

• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a robust, spicy foundation to the dish's flavor.
• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that add warmth and a gentle heat to the marinade.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that transforms the marinade into a glossy, clingy sauce.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds color and a sharp, crisp flavor to the finished dish.

Simple Instructions For Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prep Chicken

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes, removing excess fat to ensure even cooking and better texture.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Finely chop garlic and ginger to develop a robust flavor foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Whip Up Bourbon Sauce

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup

Stir until ingredients blend smoothly, creating a rich, complex sauce.

Step 4: Boost Sauce Flavor

• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Minced garlic
• Ginger

Thoroughly incorporate to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Marinate Chicken

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the sauce. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 6: Heat Skillet

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it develops a shimmering, hot surface.

Step 7: Sear Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, saving liquid. Arrange pieces in a single layer in the hot skillet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

Step 8: Brown Perfectly

Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, rotating occasionally to create a golden-brown crust on all sides.

Step 9: Prepare Sauce Thickener

Whisk cornstarch into reserved marinade to create a glossy, smooth thickening agent.

Step 10: Simmer and Glaze

Pour cornstarch-enhanced marinade over chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce becomes glossy and slightly reduced.

Step 11: Check Doneness

Confirm chicken is fully cooked by verifying internal temperature reaches 165°F. Meat should appear opaque with clear juices.

Step 12: Garnish Beautifully

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the dish, adding bright color and a sharp, fresh flavor contrast.

Step 13: Serve Deliciously

Plate immediately over steamed rice. Drizzle any remaining glossy sauce from the skillet for maximum flavor.

Cooking Tips For Bourbon Chicken Success

• Trim Chicken Carefully: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Balance Marinade Flavors: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that complement the chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding Skillet: Sear chicken in a single layer to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking the meat.
• Enhance Serving Presentation: Sprinkle fresh green onions just before serving to add brightness, color, and a crisp flavor contrast to the rich bourbon sauce.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 48-46 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent bourbon chicken delivers a tantalizing fusion of Southern comfort and Asian-inspired flavors, dancing between sweet and savory notes. Tender meat glazed with rich bourbon sauce promises a memorable meal that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 1/2 lb chicken breasts

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Aromatics and Spices:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by trimming excess fat and cutting into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Mince garlic and ginger, creating a fragrant base for the marinade that will infuse deep flavor into the meat.
3. Whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup in a large mixing bowl to create a complex, tangy sauce.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the liquid mixture, blending all aromatics thoroughly.
5. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each chunk is completely coated. Allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature, letting flavors penetrate the meat.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, indicating optimal cooking temperature.
7. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid for later use. Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot skillet, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
8. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring even caramelization.
9. Dissolve cornstarch in the reserved marinade, creating a thickening agent that will transform the sauce into a glossy glaze.
10. Pour the cornstarch-enhanced marinade over the seared chicken, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce for 8-10 minutes.
11. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, with meat appearing opaque and juices running clear.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a pop of color and fresh, sharp flavor to the finished dish.
13. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side, drizzling any remaining glossy sauce from the skillet.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense taste profile.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making it milder for sensitive palates or adding more for heat lovers.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the rich umami essence.
• Enhance protein alternatives by replacing chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based meat for diverse dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg