Name: Bourbon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2-3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed into 3/4 – 1-inch pieces; 3 tbsp cornstarch plus additional as needed to thicken; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp lemon pepper; 3 tbsp vegetable oil , olive oil or peanut oil plus additional as needed to fry; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup apple juice; 1 cup chicken stock or chicken broth; 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup bourbon; 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 3 medium green onions for garnishing thinly sliced; cooked basmati or jasmine rice for serving

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Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that boasts a sweet and savory sauce that’s hard to resist. With its roots in American Southern cuisine, this recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with a rich, robust flavor that will transport your taste buds. The dish gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and it’s reminiscent of the mouth-watering meals you might find while wandering through the bustling streets of this vibrant city.

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I first discovered Bourbon Chicken during a family trip to a local food festival, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. The combination of tender chicken pieces coated in an addictive sauce makes it a go-to meal for dinner parties or simply cozy family nights. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious served on the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bourbon Chicken
Recipe FAQs
Bourbon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 55 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of brown sugar, apple juice, and bourbon creates an unforgettable sweet and savory sauce.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy sauce and vibrant green onions make this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it over basmati or jasmine rice for a complete meal, or use it in tacos for a fun twist!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it for gluten-free diets by choosing gluten-free soy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 1/2-3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 3/4 – 1-inch pieces. This portion size is perfect for four servings and ensures everyone gets their fill.
3 tbsp cornstarch: This helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken before cooking. If you need a gluten-free option, cornstarch is an excellent choice.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
1/4 tsp lemon pepper: Adds a citrusy zing that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
3 tbsp vegetable oil, olive oil, or peanut oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden brown crust. Peanut oil adds a lovely nutty flavor if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
1 cup apple juice: Brings sweetness and acidity to the dish. If apple juice isn’t on hand, you can substitute with white grape juice.
1 cup chicken stock or chicken broth: Essential for the sauce, adding richness. Low sodium is best to control overall salt.
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides that umami kick; using low sodium helps keep the dish savory without overwhelming saltiness.
1/3 cup ketchup: A secret ingredient that adds tangy sweetness to the sauce.
1/4 cup bourbon: Adds depth of flavor. If you’re avoiding alcohol, swap for extra apple juice or chicken broth.
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Offers a touch of acidity to brighten up the dish.
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar: For that authentic sweetness that coats the chicken.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Gives a mild onion flavor without requiring extra chopping.
1/2 tsp ground ginger: Adds warmth to the sauce. Fresh ginger can be used for a more vibrant flavor.
1/2-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Depending on your heat preference, this adds a nice kick.
3 medium green onions: Thinly sliced, these will garnish the dish with a pop of freshness.
Cooked basmati or jasmine rice: Serving over rice not only completes the meal, but it also soaks up the delicious sauce.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken (2 1/2-3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts) with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper until evenly coated. This coating helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior.
Brown the Chicken: In a large 12-inch skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of your chosen oil (vegetable, olive, or peanut) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring each piece makes contact with the pan. Brown the chicken for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes on each side until it’s just beginning to turn golden brown. Remove it to a platter and repeat with remaining chicken pieces, remembering the chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked through at this stage.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: To the skillet, stir in 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 cup apple juice, 1 cup chicken stock, 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and the crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference). Mix everything together until combined and bubbly.
Combine and Simmer: Add the browned chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat well with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve: Once cooked, serve immediately over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, garnished with thinly sliced green onions. Enjoy that gorgeous glossy finish!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers; it will maintain quality for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. Be mindful that while the flavor remains, the sauce may thicken over time, so adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding; this ensures a nice sear.
For even cooking, try to cut the chicken into uniform pieces.
If your sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, dissolve an additional tablespoon of cornstarch in cold water and stir it in while the sauce is bubbling.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference by using more or less brown sugar.
If you want a little extra punch, adding a splash of hot sauce to the final sauce can elevate the flavors significantly!
This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for lazy meal preps.

This Bourbon Chicken is sure to become a staple recipe in your home, bringing warmth and flavor to your dining table. With its easy-to-follow steps and incredible taste, you’ll be serving up plates of joy in no time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients, adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sweetness to suit your palate. Enjoy this comforting dish that brings friends and family together around the dinner table—there’s nothing quite like hearty home-cooked meals!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for Bourbon Chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, feel free to substitute with boneless pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure whatever protein you choose has a similar cooking time for the best results.

What if I don’t have bourbon on hand?

No problem! You can simply use extra apple juice or chicken broth. If you want to maintain that depth of flavor but without the alcohol, you could consider using a splash of apple cider vinegar combined with your chosen substitute.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If you find that the sauce isn’t thickening as desired, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch in an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the bubbling sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.

What sides pair well with Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken is delicious served over fluffy rice, but you can also enjoy it with steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even crispy egg rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

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