Easy Bourbon Chicken

Sticky, Sweet, and Savory Chicken Bites Glazed in a Rich Bourbon Sauce — Ready in Just 30 Minutes!

Introduction

If you’re craving a comforting, takeout-style dish that you can make right in your own kitchen, Easy Bourbon Chicken is the answer. This American-Chinese classic is known for its savory-sweet sauce and tender, bite-sized chicken pieces that taste like they came straight from your favorite food court. Unlike deep-fried versions, this recipe is pan-seared, keeping it simple, lighter, and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it over fluffy white rice, sticky jasmine rice, or savory noodles, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

In this in-depth recipe article, we will walk you through the entire process of making Bourbon Chicken step-by-step. We’ll also cover cooking tips, nutrition details, preparation guidance, variations, and serving suggestions. With bold flavor from bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option), a rich sauce base, and easy ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

 Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ⅔ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup apple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup bourbon (or additional apple juice)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

 How to Prepare Easy Bourbon Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
• This coating helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce later on.

2. Brown the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Sear chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Brown each piece until golden on the outside and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per batch).
• Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic

• Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same skillet.
• Cook for about 30 seconds, just until aromatic. Don’t let it burn.

4. Make the Sauce

• In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine and Simmer

• Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat every piece with sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.

6. Serve

• Once the sauce is glossy and the chicken is coated, remove from heat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

 Cooking Tips

No Bourbon?

• Use apple juice as a substitute for a family-friendly version. The flavor is still rich and tangy.

Get Crispy Chicken

• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken for a crispy golden crust.
• Avoid crowding the pan to maintain the sear.

Enhance the Texture

• You can slightly reduce the sauce longer for a thicker glaze.
• For extra sauciness, double the sauce recipe and save some for drizzling over rice.

Add More Vegetables

• Bell peppers, broccoli, sugar snap peas, and baby corn make great additions.
• Add veggies when simmering the sauce for color and texture contrast.

Meal Prep Friendly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

 Serving Suggestions

• Over Steamed Rice: Classic and simple. Use jasmine or basmati rice for added aroma.
• With Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles soak up the bourbon sauce beautifully.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken into butter lettuce for a low-carb twist.
• Side Dishes: Serve with stir-fried vegetables, egg rolls, or Asian slaw.

 Variations

Spicy Bourbon Chicken

• Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for more heat.

Honey Bourbon Chicken

• Replace half the brown sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.

Pineapple Bourbon Chicken

• Add ½ cup chopped pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical flair.

 Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugars: 20g
• Sodium: 1100mg

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

 Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delicious, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. With the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami-rich flavors, it satisfies both kids and adults. The sauce is bold and sticky, the chicken is tender, and the process is incredibly simple.

Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to takeout again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. And don’t forget—it’s easily customizable for spice level, sweetness, and add-ins. Now go ahead, fire up that skillet and enjoy a mouthwatering plate of Bourbon Chicken tonight!