Dinner

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

ByThomas Greene November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

Introduction

Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, slightly sweet dish that brings a touch of southern charm to your dinner table. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich bourbon sauce, making it a perfect meal served over steamed white rice.

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is plain white rice, fluffy and soft, while the top layer consists of golden-brown pieces of glazed chicken coated with a shiny, sticky sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small bright green chopped scallions, adding color and texture. A pair of black chopsticks with blue handles rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken (cut into cubes, breasts or thighs)
Salt & Pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 inch ginger (grated)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 cups white rice
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until each piece is well coated.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 6-7 minutes, until crispy and golden on the outside but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated ginger, chicken broth, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until well blended.
Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a boil and cook for 7-8 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to a rich, brown glaze.
Step 6: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked white rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier meat compared to breasts.
Substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit alcohol for a family-friendly version.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Rice can be stored separately to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains two main layers: at the bottom, a layer of fluffy white rice that fills half the bowl, and on top, a layer of golden-brown glazed chicken pieces coated with a shiny sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding small pops of white and green. A pair of black chopsticks rests across the top edge of the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts.

What if I don’t have bourbon on hand?

You can substitute bourbon with whiskey or a splash of apple juice for sweetness without the alcohol. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.