If you’ve ever wanted a dish that captures the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of warmth from bourbon, then this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is your new best friend. It’s a fantastic blend of tender chicken bathed in a luscious, glossy sauce that’s ridiculously simple to make but incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Bourbon Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the chicken to crafting that rich, caramelized sauce with layers of flavor and the perfect texture.

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces): These pieces cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully, keeping the dish tender and juicy.
4 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for coating the chicken to create a slight crisp and help thicken the sauce later.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for browning the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a subtle aromatic depth that complements the bourbon’s smoky notes.
1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce and keeps it moist.
⅔ cup soy sauce: Brings that classic umami punch and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
⅓ cup apple juice: Adds mild fruitiness that brightens each bite without being too sharp.
⅓ cup ketchup: Contributes a rich tomato tang and gives the sauce a beautiful reddish hue.
¼ cup bourbon: The star player that gives this dish its signature warmth and complexity.
1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce, creating that irresistible sticky glaze you’ll want to dive into.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by mixing the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss your chicken pieces in this mixture until each one is lightly coated. This simple step not only adds a delightful crispness when browned but also helps the sauce cling to the chicken like a dream.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides for about 6 minutes total. You want a nice golden color here to build flavor, but don’t cook them through yet. Once done, set the chicken aside and get ready for the magic of the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 30 seconds until fragrant—you’ll smell just how amazing this step is. Then, pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those flavors start to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Lower the heat to a simmer and return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Let them soak and cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes. As it simmers, the sauce will reduce by half, becoming ever more glossy and indulgent, coating each chicken piece perfectly.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

If you prefer your Easy Bourbon Chicken sauce a little thicker, simply mix some additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the skillet. Cook just a few minutes until it reaches your perfect consistency — silky, sticky, and utterly crave-worthy.

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Garnishes

To elevate your Easy Bourbon Chicken even further, sprinkle freshly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple additions add a pop of color and a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice to soak up every bit of that sauce. For some greens, try a side of sautéed broccoli or snap peas for a vibrant, crunchy contrast that balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps, letting everyone build their own bites. Or, layer the chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to create an irresistible comfort food experience with a bourbon kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Bourbon Chicken leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but don’t worry — just reheat gently and add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up again.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but be sure to cover and stir to keep the sauce smooth and avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for Easy Bourbon Chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs, drumsticks, or even tenders can work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and remains juicy.

Is bourbon necessary in this recipe?

While bourbon adds authentic flavor, you can substitute with apple juice or a splash of bourbon extract if you prefer no alcohol. The dish will still taste delicious with the sweet-savory profile intact.

How spicy is this Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat to complement the sweetness.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just choose gluten-free soy sauce and ensure any other ingredients you use meet your dietary needs. This swap keeps the dish just as tasty without gluten concerns.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

The easiest method is to mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This technique creates a glossy, clingy sauce that’s perfect on the chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that feels special without any complicated techniques, and Easy Bourbon Chicken hits that spot perfectly. The blend of sweet, savory, and bourbon warmth will not only satisfy your cravings but make you look forward to cooking more often. Give this recipe a try at your next meal, and I promise it’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy pieces of boneless chicken breast coated in a deliciously rich and sweet bourbon sauce, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. The chicken is lightly browned, then simmered in a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar, creating a thick and sticky glaze that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken coating: In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces into this mixture until they are fully coated. This step helps give the chicken a slight crust when cooked and thickens the sauce later.
Brown the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and brown them on both sides, cooking for about 6 minutes total. This seals in the juices and adds flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the garlic and add sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This sauce base will infuse the chicken with rich bourbon flavor and sweetness.
Simmer the chicken: Lower the heat to medium-low and return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce reduces by half and the chicken is cooked through. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavorful sauce and lets the sauce thicken naturally.
Optional sauce thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and simmer for another minute or two until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and bourbon for 30 minutes before coating.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Adjust the brown sugar quantity if you prefer your sauce less sweet.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American