Bourbon Chicken
Easy Bourbon Chicken—tender chicken simmered in a sweet, sticky, savory glaze inspired by mall-style takeout. Quick, flavorful, and perfect over rice!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup bourbon or apple juice for non-alcoholic
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), apple cider vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Chicken & Sauce:
- Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve:
- Spoon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
Thicker Sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water and add during the last few minutes of simmering.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to taste.
Extra Flavor: Add fresh ginger or minced garlic for a stronger aroma.
Crispier Chicken: Lightly dust chicken with cornstarch before cooking.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze fully cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave; add a splash of water if sauce is too thick.
FAQs
Can I make bourbon chicken without alcohol?
Yes—use apple juice or apple cider. You’ll still get the classic sweet-tangy flavor. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and are closer to the classic version. What can I serve with bourbon chicken besides rice?
Try noodles, quinoa, steamed veggies, or fried rice.
Yes—use apple juice or apple cider. You’ll still get the classic sweet-tangy flavor. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and are closer to the classic version. What can I serve with bourbon chicken besides rice?
Try noodles, quinoa, steamed veggies, or fried rice.