Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken made with tender chicken pieces coated in a delicious sweet and sticky sauce will steal the show at your next dinner!

This easy bourbon chicken recipe is always a bit hit with my kids.  Serve it with quick and easy sides like air fryer potatoes and roasted broccoli!

Bourbon Chicken

Why you’ll love this recipe!

📌 Tastes just like mall bourbon chicken. 

📌 Tender, sticky, sweet, and so nostalgic. 

📌 Quick to make, the perfect weeknight dinner!

Bourbon Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken. We prefer thigh meat in this recipe but breast meat will work as well. 
• Oil – Vegetable oil of your choice for browning the chicken. We typically use a light olive oil. 
• Apple juice – No sugar added.  If you want to use bourbon in this recipe, substitute all or part of the apple juice for bourbon. 
• Sugar – Light brown sugar, packed. 
• Ketchup – For sweetness, color, and flavor. 
• Soy sauce – If you’re watching salt intake you can use low sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos can also be substituted. 
• Apple cider vinegar – For acid and tartness. 
• Garlic – Fresh garlic, minced. 
• Ginger – Fresh ginger, grated or ground. 
• Optional garnishes – Sesame seeds, chopped green onions. 

Chicken, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, cornstarch, oil.

How do you make bourbon chicken? (step-by-step directions)

⭐ First, whisk together the apple juice, light brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ground ginger. Set aside.

⭐ Next, heat the oil in a large skillet, then add the chicken. Cook the chicken until you can no longer see any pink on the outside.

⭐ Then, add the sauce to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally.

⭐ Finally, whisk together the cornstarch and water and add to the pan. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions. 

Whisk together your sauce and set aside, cook chicken, then add sauce and continue cooking, stir in cornstarch slurry.

Preparation

Can bourbon chicken be made ahead?

You can prepare this as much as a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or up to a few weeks ahead and store it in the freezer.  

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave on high power in 60 second increments. 

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you can’t or prefer not to use soy sauce, you can swap 1:1 for tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos. 

What can I use instead of chicken?

This is also delicious with pork or steak (prepared in the same manner), or even chicken meatballs or turkey meatballs for something a little different.

If you want to keep it vegetarian, try seared tofu. 

Is bourbon chicken gluten free?

This recipe as written is gluten free.  Always make sure to double check all your labels if using a new product. 

Continue cooking just until the sauce is thickened by the cornstarch.

Storage and leftovers

How long does homemade bourbon chicken last?

You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days, or in the freezer for several weeks. 

Can you freeze bourbon chicken?

Absolutely! To freeze the leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer safe, tightly sealed container. Make sure to leave headroom at the top of the container for expansion. 

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. 

Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called bourbon chicken?

Bourbon chicken is actually named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, not the alcoholic beverage! History tells us that the dish wash created and popularized there.  

Is there bourbon in bourbon chicken?

This recipe does not call for the use of bourbon, but if you’d like to add it swap all or part of the apple juice for bourbon.  I would suggest 50% juice and 50% bourbon. 

Is bourbon chicken Asian food?

It definitely has Asian influences but would more accurately be described as an Asian inspired (Chinese-American), Creole influenced fusion dish that has found a home in American cuisine. 

Serve with white rice and veggies.

Tips and tricks

• Marinating Time: For an even more flavorful result, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and adds extra tenderness. Wait to add the cornstarch slurry until the end. 
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup for a different taste.
• Bourbon Substitution: To incorporate the bourbon flavor, replace a portion or all of the apple juice with bourbon. Start with a 1:1 ratio of juice to bourbon, and adjust according to your preference.
• Spice it up: Add a touch of heat by including crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Cooking Variations: While the recipe calls for stovetop cooking, you can also try grilling the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor or using a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Garnish Ideas: Besides sesame seeds and green onions, consider topping the finished dish with chopped cilantro, sliced red chilies, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and freshness.

What to eat with homemade bourbon chicken (serving suggestions)

We definitely love to enjoy this dish with a side of rice (try our instant pot rice, coconut rice, or easy fried rice recipe), and a quick veggie like air fryer broccoli or easy sauteed vegetables. 

So tender and yummy!

More delicious chicken dishes

• Caprese chicken recipe
• Air fryer bbq chicken tacos
• White chicken enchiladas
• Easy chicken pot pie recipe
• See all our chicken dinner recipes!

Other awesome copycat recipes

• White chocolate fudge oreos
• Big mac meatloaf
• Chick-fil-a nuggets
• Red velvet Crumbl cookies
• Homemade cosmic brownies
• See all our copycat recipes!

😍😍😍

Tools we love

• Cast iron skillet – I love this skillet because it has a smooth surface. Perfect for easy cooking. 
• Wooden spatula set – I never worry about ruining my cookware or non-stick surfaces when I use a wooden spatula!

How to Make Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken made with tender chicken pieces coated in a delicious sweet and sticky sauce will steal the show at your next dinner!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian, Caribbbean

Keyword: bourbon chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 412kcal

Author: April Woods

Ingredients

• 1 - 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or other vegetable oil
• ½ cup apple juice
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
• optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onion

Cook ModeToggle to green to prevent your screen from going dark while you cook!

Instructions

STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS

• Whisk together the apple juice, light brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ground ginger. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet, then add the chicken. Cook the chicken until you can no longer see any pink on the outside.
• Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• Whisk together the cornstarch and water and add to the pan. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

SLOW COOKER DIRECTIONS

• In your slow cooker, whisk together the apple juice, light brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ground ginger.
• Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 5 - 6 hours or high for 3 - 4 hours.
• Whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken.

INSTANT POT DIRECTIONS

• In your instant pot, whisk together the apple juice, light brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, and an additional ½ cup of water.
• Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and set to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 5 minutes, followed by a 5 minute natural pressure release. Carefully quick release the remaining pressure, pausing if it begins to sputter.
• Whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Notes

Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Instant pot tips:

• Cook time - Most electric pressure cookers take about 10 - 15 minutes to come to pressure. The inputted cook time will begin after the pot is pressurized.
• Natural pressure release - Hit cancel and walk away from the pot. It will slowly naturally depressurize. Depending on the contents this can take anywhere between 10 - 20 minutes for a full natural release.
• Quick release - Turn the dial at the top of your pot to allow the pressure to release quickly. Always use a long handled utensil for this to avoid steam burns. Do not quick release under cabinets or you may cause steam/water damage. If there is sputtering, quickly turn dial back to 'sealing' and allow it to naturally depressurize a few minutes before trying again.

Recipe tips:

• Marinating Time: For an even more flavorful result, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and adds extra tenderness. Wait to add the cornstarch slurry until the end. 
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. You can also experiment with alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup for a different taste.
• Bourbon Substitution: To incorporate the bourbon flavor, replace a portion or all of the apple juice with bourbon. Start with a 1:1 ratio of juice to bourbon, and adjust according to your preference.
• Spice it up: Add a touch of heat by including crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Cooking Variations: While the recipe calls for stovetop cooking, you can also try grilling the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor or using a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Garnish Ideas: Besides sesame seeds and green onions, consider topping the finished dish with chopped cilantro, sliced red chilies, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and freshness.

If you love cookbooks, CLICK HERE to check out our subscriber special!

Nutrition

Calories: 412kcal

Want even more?Follow Mama Loves Food on Pinterest!