Craving a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor? Homemade bourbon chicken is the perfect recipe to satisfy those cravings. With juicy chicken, a rich bourbon sauce, and just the right balance of spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it over rice or with a side of veggies, this homemade bourbon chicken recipe is simple, delicious, and a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Bourbon Chicken:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this homemade bourbon chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The bourbon sauce combines sweetness and savory depth with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the rich and comforting flavor of this dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking by tweaking the sauce ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts cut into one inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- sliced green onions, optional for garnish
- sesame seeds, optional for garnish
- 1-2 cups cooked rice for serving
RECIPE NOTES: Use good bourbon that you enjoy drinking. If you prefer not using bourbon you can substitute it with fresh apple cider. [NOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR- Apple cider (also called sweet cider, soft cider, or simply cider) is the name used in the United States and Canada for an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples.]
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients for the Bourbon Chicken: Cut the 1 pound of chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In medium bowl combine and mix well the 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup soy sauce, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. In a separate small bowl whisk together the 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water to make the slurry. Cook the 1-2 cups of rice according to package instructions.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce: In the same skillet, add the 2-3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Carefully pour in the bourbon mixture and slurry. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and become thicker and more flavorful.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the bourbon sauce. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade bourbon chicken over a bed of rice, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken:
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them perfect for this dish.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your bourbon chicken on the sweeter side, add a little extra brown sugar or honey. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to mix in some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to make the dish even more nutritious.
How to Serve Bourbon Chicken:
Bourbon chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:
- Serve over rice: Whether white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice, the sauce pairs wonderfully with the fluffy texture of the rice. This bourbon chicken recipe goes perfectly with our Golden Turmeric Rice side dish.
- With noodles: For a different twist, try serving your bourbon chicken over stir-fry noodles or lo mein.
- Pair with veggies: Serve alongside steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a complete, balanced meal.
FAQs:
- Can I make bourbon chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bourbon chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it on the stove and serve with fresh rice or noodles.
- Can I make this dish without alcohol? Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with a mix of apple cider vinegar and a splash of orange juice or apple juice for a similar depth of flavor.
- Can I freeze bourbon chicken? Yes, you can freeze bourbon chicken. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.
Final Thoughts:
This homemade bourbon chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. The rich bourbon sauce, paired with tender chicken, is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it today and enjoy the bold, savory-sweet goodness of homemade bourbon chicken!
By the way have you tried the Chicken Costoletta at Cheesecake Factory? It’s absolutely delicious and one of our top picks! Unfortunately, there’s no Cheesecake Factory nearby, so we enjoy making some of my favorite meals at home. Try this Copycat Chicken Costoletta recipe.
Homemade Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Craving a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor? Homemade bourbon chicken is the perfect recipe to satisfy those cravings. With juicy chicken, a rich bourbon sauce, and just the right balance of spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts cut into one-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- sliced green onions, optional for garnish
- sesame seeds, optional for garnish
- 1-2 cups cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients for the Bourbon Chicken: Cut the 1 pound of chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. In medium bowl combine and mix well the 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup soy sauce, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. In a separate small bowl whisk together the 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water to make the slurry. Cook the 1-2 cups of rice according to package instructions.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce: In the same skillet, add the 2-3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Carefully pour in the bourbon mixture and slurry. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and become thicker and more flavorful.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the bourbon sauce. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade bourbon chicken over a bed of rice, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
Notes
Use good bourbon that you enjoy drinking. If you prefer not using bourbon you can substitute it with fresh apple cider. [NOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR- Apple cider (also called sweet cider, soft cider, or simply cider) is the name used in the United States and Canada for an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples.]
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 484Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1954mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 33g
The nutritional information provided for the recipes on this blog is an estimate and is based on standard ingredient portions. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For precise dietary needs or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
