The Juiciest Bourbon Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Culinary magic happens when bourbon chicken dances onto your dinner plate with irresistible Southern charm.

Tender meat simmers in a glossy, caramelized sauce that whispers stories of New Orleans kitchens.

Rich flavors blend sweet and tangy notes into a symphony of taste.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb every drop of that incredible marinade, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Southern comfort meets gourmet cooking in this surprisingly simple dish that anyone can master.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through robust, complex flavors that’ll make you want seconds.

Come explore this mouthwatering recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of deliciousness.

Why Bourbon Chicken Is Packed With Flavor

• Savor Bold Flavors: Discover a mouthwatering chicken dish packed with rich bourbon-infused sauce that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minimal time with simple steps and readily available ingredients that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or pairing with different sides to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a sophisticated yet approachable meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen, guaranteed to wow family and friends.

What You’ll Need For Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat cuts that provide rich flavor and absorb the bourbon sauce beautifully.

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness to the marinade.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a rich caramel sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ketchup: Contributes a sweet and slightly acidic undertone to the sauce.

• Garlic, Ground Ginger: Offer warm, spicy notes that complement the bourbon's complexity.
• Bourbon Whiskey: Introduces a rich, smoky depth to the overall sauce profile.

• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Add layers of heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a non-stick surface for searing the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the sauce reaches a perfect, glossy consistency.

How To Make Bourbon Chicken Easily

Step 1: Dry Chicken Perfectly

Grab paper towels and gently pat each chicken thigh until completely dry. This crucial step ensures the meat will develop a stunning golden crust and absorb maximum flavor.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger

Blend these components until they form a harmonious mixture.

Step 3: Add Bourbon Magic

Pour bourbon whiskey into the sauce, stirring until everything combines smoothly and looks well-integrated.

Step 4: Heat Skillet

Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Wait until the oil surface looks shimmery and hot.

Step 5: Sear Chicken

Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Allow each side to cook for 4-5 minutes, developing a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Boost Flavor Profile

Sprinkle black pepper and red pepper flakes over the chicken during searing to enhance taste complexity.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

Mix cornstarch into the prepared sauce, whisking until completely smooth with zero lumps.

Step 8: Simmer Chicken

Pour bourbon-infused sauce over seared chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently.

Step 9: Cook Through

Cover skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes. Occasionally turn chicken to ensure even sauce coverage.

Step 10: Check Doneness

Verify chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 11: Rest and Settle

Remove from heat. Let chicken rest 3-4 minutes so sauce thickens and flavors meld perfectly.

Step 12: Serve Deliciously

Slice chicken and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve over rice or your favorite side dish.

Helpful Tips For Bourbon Chicken

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat thighs completely dry with paper towels to achieve maximum sauce absorption and beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add bourbon whiskey to the marinade for rich, complex taste that elevates the entire dish's profile.
• Prevent Sauce Lumps: Dissolve cornstarch thoroughly by whisking until completely smooth, ensuring a silky sauce texture without unwanted clumps.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to customize heat intensity according to personal preference or dietary needs.
• Resting Matters: Allow chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking to help sauce thicken and flavors blend seamlessly, creating a more delicious final result.

Fun Variations Of Bourbon Chicken

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Replace red pepper flakes with chipotle powder or sriracha for an intense heat kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Smoky Maple Variation: Substitute bourbon with maple whiskey and add a splash of liquid smoke for a deep, rich flavor profile.

Bourbon Chicken Pairing Suggestions

• Boost Bourbon Chicken's Flavor Experience
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cut through the rich, sweet bourbon sauce, balancing the chicken's intense flavors perfectly.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Honey-glazed carrots or garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts echo the sweet-savory profile of the dish, creating a harmonious plate.
• Match with Craft Beer Selections: Amber ale or wheat beer provide a robust, malty counterpoint to the bourbon's warmth, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Serve Alongside Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, fragrant rice absorbs the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the chicken's complex flavor profile.

How To Store Bourbon Chicken Properly

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains covered with sauce to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Chicken will stay fresh for 2-3 months when frozen.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a small amount of sauce, cover with foil to lock in moisture.

Common Questions About Bourbon Chicken

• Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with rum, brandy, or whiskey for a similar flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice or chicken broth.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Searing the chicken first and cooking it at a lower temperature helps retain moisture. Also, using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures juicier meat due to their higher fat content.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. For less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling bourbon chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with its irresistible blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Succulent chicken pieces glazed in a rich bourbon-infused sauce promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground ginger

Seasonings and Thickeners

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure optimal sauce absorption and even browning.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a medium mixing bowl to create a robust marinade.
3. Incorporate bourbon whiskey into the sauce mixture, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with warmth.
5. Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
6. Sprinkle black pepper and red pepper flakes over the chicken during the searing process to enhance flavor complexity.
7. Dissolve cornstarch into the prepared sauce, whisking until smooth and free of lumps to create a perfect thickening agent.
8. Pour the bourbon-infused sauce over the seared chicken, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the liquid to simmer.
9. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for 10-12 minutes, occasionally turning to ensure even coating and thorough sauce penetration.
10. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating it’s fully cooked and safe to consume.
11. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to further thicken and flavors to meld together.
12. Slice chicken and drizzle with remaining sauce before serving over rice or your preferred side dish.

Notes

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry to maximize sauce absorption and achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in incredible flavor.
• Swap bourbon for apple juice or chicken broth if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the recipe’s rich taste profile while accommodating different dietary preferences.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the dish more heart-healthy without compromising the savory depth of the marinade.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to help redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent, preventing dry meat and preserving the sauce’s glossy coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 1090 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg