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Bourbon Chicken is a delicious combination of sweet and savory, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish will have your family asking for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes.
The Best Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is one of those recipes that effortlessly combines simplicity and bold flavors. The tender chicken thighs soak up a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Every bite is a burst of flavor, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of bourbon (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic twist).
I love how quick and easy this recipe is to prepare, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table that’s sure to impress everyone. Plus, the garnishes of green onions and sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and pop of color, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless: I use these for their tenderness and flavor. You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Olive oil: This is for browning the chicken and adding a subtle richness. Any cooking oil works as a substitute.
- Bourbon: It adds depth and a unique sweetness. If you prefer non-alcoholic, you can use chicken broth instead.
- Soy sauce: This brings a savory, umami flavor to the sauce. Opt for a low sodium soy sauce.
- Apple juice: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the soy sauce. Orange juice works as an alternative.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps it caramelize nicely.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness. White vinegar or lemon juice can be used instead.
- Garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic quality. Fresh is best.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a bit of spice to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat. Adjust to your taste or omit if you prefer it mild.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce. You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
- Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
- Green onions, sliced: For garnish, adding a fresh, sharp flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Optional garnish that adds a bit of crunch.
Marinate The Chicken
First, mix the bourbon, soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces to this flavorful marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, you can marinate the chicken for a few hours in the refrigerator.
Cook The Chicken
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but be sure to reserve the marinade. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned and nearly cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
Prepare The Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir this into the simmering sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine And Simmer
Once the chicken is browned, pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, serve the bourbon chicken hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
How To Serve
When serving Bourbon Chicken, I like to pair it with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. Rice or noodles are a classic choice, soaking up that delicious sauce perfectly. Here are some great options to serve alongside:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish without alcohol?
Yes, you can easily substitute the bourbon with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. It will still taste delicious and flavorful.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the chicken, transfer it and the marinade to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry at the end, cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes on high.
Expert Tips
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor much more than dried or powdered versions.
- Brown the Chicken: Make sure to brown the chicken well for added texture and flavor before adding the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce Separately: Always thicken the sauce separately before adding it to the chicken to ensure a smooth, glossy finish.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container; it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Discover More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Satay With Peanut Sauce
- Oven Baked Chicken Bites
- Sweet And Sour Chicken Meatballs
- Vietnamese Ginger Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
- Chicken Adobo
Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup bourbon optional, can substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup apple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the bourbon, soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and cook until nicely browned and nearly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce.
- Serve the bourbon chicken hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips & Notes:
- Substitute bourbon with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more robust flavor.
- Thicken the sauce separately before adding it to the chicken for a smooth, glossy finish.
