Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken – a quick and easy homemade chicken with a sweet, spicy, sticky and delicious sauce! Great for any night of the week!

Getting dinner on the table can get to be a bit much when schedules get busy. So a lot of people rely on take-out, but this Easy Bourbon Chicken is just as fast and so much better for you! Plus you can add whatever veggies you like.

You know I love making take-out at home, so much better for you and always so fast! Check out so many of my Asian Recipes for quick weeknight meals.

Why Is It Called Bourbon Chicken

There is a lot of debate as to why it is called this, and if it should include bourbon. One theory is it was it was invented on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at a Chinese style restaurant. And that is doesn’t have bourbon in the sauce. It is a sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce that is tossed with chicken and served over rice.

The other theory is that it is name bourbon chicken for the bourbon in the sauce. There really is not that much bourbon in the recipe, so it definitely cooks off. But if you don’t want to use it, or don’t have any, I will include substitutions for you.

What You’ll Need

• Chicken – breast or thighs work great
• Salt & Pepper
• Cornstarch
• Oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chicken Broth
• Bourbon
• Soy Sauce – I always use low sodium
• Brown Sugar
• Apple Cider Vinegar

I think this is best served over rice (white, brown or cauliflower, your choice) and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. You can also serve mix in veggies if you want to turn it into a full on stir-fry.

What To Use Instead Of Bourbon

Don’t have bourbon or don’t want to cook with alcohol? No problem! You can either use more soy sauce or if you want to mix up the flavor a little using hoisin sauce makes it extra delicious! Some recipe recommend apple juice, and yes it works, I just find it a little more sweet than I want, there is a fair amount of sugar in it already, so I like to use something savory.

How To Make Bourbon Chicken

1. Star by tossing together the cut up chicken pieces with the cornstarch, salt and pepper. This helps get the chicken crispy and makes it stay super tender and juicy.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok and brown chicken for 6-7 minutes, until it is crispy and golden on the outside, but not cooked all the way through. Remove it from the pan and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, mix together the garlic, ginger, chicken broth, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar until well blended.
4. Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium and pour in the sauce. Bring it to a boil and cook for 7-8 minutes, until it starts to reduce and thicken.
5. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook for 5-6 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is nice and thick with a rich brown color.
6. Serve over rice and top with green onions and sesame seeds to serve.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• You can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. I usually use chicken breasts, just because that is what I have on hand. But both work really well and the cooking time doesn’t change.
• Like it spicy? Add some heat to your sauce with Sriracha, chili flakes or a little bit of the spicy chili garlic sauce. Mix it in when you are mixing together the sauce and cook like the recipe directs.
• Add veggies! You can mix in onions, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, bell peppers or even broccoli to make this a complete meal. Whatever you like works great.
• Want crispy chicken like Chinese take out? Use store bought crispy chicken (tenders, nuggets, popcorn chicken etc). Just cook like the instructions on the package, and add to the sauce once it is cooked and thick.
• Don’t have bourbon? Use soy sauce, hoisin sauce or some people even like apple juice in its place.

What To Serve With Bourbon Chicken

I think this is best served over white rice. This Instant Pot Jasmine Rice is my favorite to make and just have ready when I am.

• Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Zucchini
• Sautéed Asparagus

Storage

Don’t worry if you have leftovers, this makes for a great lunch the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Then just heat in the microwave to serve.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

• Air Fryer Tacos
• Taco Spaghetti
• Chipotle Chicken Bowls
• Pan Seared Salmon
• Arby’s Beef & Cheddar
• Wet Burrito
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Chicken Tenders

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