Name: Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice as non-alcoholic substitute); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference); 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger; Cooked white or jasmine rice; Chopped green onions for garnish

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Introduction

Bourbon chicken is a sweet, savory, and glossy dish with a hint of warmth. This easy recipe brings the irresistible flavors of takeout chicken right to your kitchen, perfect served over fluffy rice for a quick weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of crispy, golden brown chicken pieces coated in a thick, sticky dark caramelized sauce. Each piece looks slightly charred in parts, giving a caramelized texture with a glossy finish. The chicken chunks are piled high in a white bowl, and the rich sauce pools at the bottom, adding a shiny wet look to the dish. The photo’s focus is tight on the chicken, highlighting the texture and color variations on each piece, with a softly blurred white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup bourbon (or substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Steamed white or jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until they are lightly coated. This helps the chicken brown nicely and thickens the sauce later.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes thick and bubbly.
Step 6: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken fully with the sauce and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
Let the sauce simmer until glossy and thick before adding the chicken back in.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice.
Swap chicken thighs for breast if preferred, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra texture and color.
Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a side of broccoli or a simple cucumber salad.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the sauce glossy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces glazed with a thick, sticky, dark brown sauce that shines under the light. The chicken pieces are piled high in a white bowl, showing a mix of rough, crunchy textures and smooth, glossy syrup coating each piece evenly. The sauce pools slightly at the bottom, adding a rich, wet shine that contrasts with the chicken's crispy edges. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean, bright backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this without bourbon?

Yes, apple juice works well as a flavorful non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon.

Is bourbon chicken spicy?

This recipe has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit according to your taste.