Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, slightly sweet bourbon sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that impresses without the fuss. Serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2/3 cup lite soy sauce (lower sodium)
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and toss in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until a small piece of chicken sizzles.
3. Step 3: Add half the chicken pieces and cook for 3 minutes without stirring, then turn and cook another 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and repeat the same process with the remaining chicken using the remaining oil.
5. Step 5: Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in water, apple juice, bourbon, chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by about half.
8. Step 8: Mix the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, stir to dissolve, then add to the pan and stir well.
9. Step 9: Cook until the sauce thickens, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Substitute bourbon with whiskey or a non-alcoholic apple juice for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the lite soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.

Is the bourbon flavor strong in this dish?

The bourbon adds a subtle depth of flavor but is balanced by sweet and savory ingredients, so it won’t be overwhelming. The alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving just the rich taste behind.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful, sweet and tangy bourbon-infused sauce. Perfectly coated with a sticky glaze made from apple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 3 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2/3 cup lite soy sauce (lower sodium)
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook First Half of Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add half of the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes to develop a sear.
3. Flip and Cook: Turn the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 3 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Second Half of Chicken: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken pieces: 3 minutes on the first side, then 3 minutes after flipping. Remove and set aside.
5. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
6. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add water, apple juice, bourbon, chicken broth, lite soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Add Chicken to Sauce: Return all the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the boiling sauce.
8. Simmer to Reduce Sauce: Cook the chicken and sauce mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced by about half and the flavors meld together.
9. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small glass to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
10. Serve: Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and serve the bourbon chicken immediately, ideally over rice or your preferred side.

Notes

• For best flavor, use lower sodium soy sauce to control saltiness in the sauce.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier option if preferred.
• If you do not want alcohol, substitute bourbon with additional chicken broth and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor depth.
• Serve with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: Bourbon Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Quick Dinner, Skillet Chicken, Bourbon Sauce