If you’re looking for a meal that’s both family-friendly and absolutely irresistible, this Easy Bourbon Chicken is the answer you’ve been craving! Imagine perfectly tender nuggets of chicken tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce with a little kick—thanks to both bourbon and a touch of spice. It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, packs big flavor, and always leaves everyone craving seconds. The sticky glaze clings to every piece and soaks beautifully into a bed of fluffy rice. Easy Bourbon Chicken is a takeout-style treat you can make at home without fuss, with ingredients you’ll find in your own pantry.

Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Easy Bourbon Chicken such a hit is how effortlessly your favorite pantry ingredients come together to create something so bold and savory. Each element brings its own special something, whether it’s adding color, a velvety texture, or a pop of flavor, to help build layer upon layer of craveable taste.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized chunks, these soak up all the sticky, flavorful sauce.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a crisp coating and helps the sauce thicken into that signature glossy finish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential basics for seasoning the chicken right from the start.
Vegetable oil (or sesame oil): For browning the chicken; sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma if you have it!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings sharpness and warmth to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce rich but not too heavy.
Soy sauce: Brings the salty umami punch and gorgeous color; choose low-sodium if you want to control the saltiness.
Apple juice: Adds a delicate fruitiness and helps round out the sweetness without overpowering.
Ketchup: Gives body, tang, and a vibrant hue to the sauce’s base.
Bourbon: The namesake ingredient; a splash gives deep, complex warmth. For a kid-friendly option, you can omit or substitute with more apple juice.
Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with subtle tang and brightness.
Brown sugar: Melted into the sauce, it provides that craveable sticky-sweet balance; dark or light both work here.
Ground ginger: A hint of spicy warmth that ties the flavors together.
Onion powder: Rounds out the aromatics without any chopping—easy and convenient!
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a bit of heat, sprinkle in as much as you like.

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Toss the Chicken with Cornstarch

Start by tossing your diced chicken in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This step might seem simple, but don’t skip it! The cornstarch forms a light coating that crisps up in the pan and helps the sticky sauce cling to every piece. Plus, seasoning at this stage ensures flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat your oil over medium-high. Once it shimmers, add the cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for three minutes, then flip and give another three minutes on the other side. You’re just browning the pieces, not cooking through—this gives amazing color and flavor. Don’t overcrowd; if needed, brown in two batches so the chicken gets that golden edge.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

With the chicken set aside, toss your minced garlic into the same skillet for just half a minute. The fragrance is unbeatable! Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir well and let it come to a gentle boil—the magic starts here as everything melds together.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Turn the heat down to low and return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, tucking them into that bubbling, fragrant sauce. Let it simmer gently for about ten minutes. This allows the flavors to really soak in and the sauce to reduce, turning thick, syrupy, and intensely flavorful. The chicken turns irresistibly juicy and coated in glaze.

Step 5: Optional – Thicken the Sauce

If you love your Easy Bourbon Chicken extra glossy and thick, whisk together a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce at the end. Let it bubble for another two minutes—it’ll transform, right before your eyes, into the ultimate sticky glaze. Remove from heat and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy presentation, sprinkle sliced green onions over your Easy Bourbon Chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds and a light scatter of chopped cilantro also work wonderfully, adding crunch or a hint of herby flavor.

Side Dishes

The absolute classic is a mound of steamed jasmine or white rice, but don’t be afraid to pair with fluffy brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter touch. Roasted broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy make colorful sides that soak up that extra sauce—a perfect partner for the sticky, savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Bourbon Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, party-friendly twist, or spoon it over crispy fried rice for true takeout vibes at home. Leftovers are delicious stuffed into wraps or spread on sandwich rolls for a quick, satisfying lunch. If you want to get even fancier, skewer the chicken and broil briefly for some char!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, place leftover Easy Bourbon Chicken in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to mingle, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Cool the chicken thoroughly, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm your Easy Bourbon Chicken gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, just stir every minute to ensure even heating and keep that chicken tender.

FAQs

Does Easy Bourbon Chicken actually taste like bourbon?

It delivers a gentle warmth and depth from the bourbon, but the alcohol cooks off and what’s left is a rich, caramel-like flavor. The sauce isn’t boozy, just packed with sweet and savory layers.

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute the bourbon with extra apple juice or a splash of chicken broth. You’ll still get a lovely sticky, slightly tangy sauce that everyone (kids included) will love.

Why coat the chicken in cornstarch first?

Tossing chicken with cornstarch before browning creates a light, crisp shell that helps the sauce stick and brings that irresistible restaurant-quality texture you love in Easy Bourbon Chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just trim and dice boneless, skinless thighs as you would breasts—the cooking method stays the same.

Is this dish very spicy?

The base recipe is mild. Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy sauce, or leave them out entirely if you prefer it family-friendly. The beauty of Easy Bourbon Chicken is how customizable it is!

Final Thoughts

If you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings big flavor with minimal effort, Easy Bourbon Chicken will absolutely deliver! Promise yourself you’ll give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone at your table) are about to become huge fans.