Description
Easy Bourbon Chicken is a sticky, sweet, slightly smoky dish with tender chicken pieces glazed in a glossy bourbon-infused sauce. Great over rice or noodles and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
-
- For the Chicken
- 3 pounds chicken breasts, boneless & skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 1/2–1 tbsp extra if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- For the Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium optional)
- 2/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- 1/3 cup apple juice
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or extra apple juice for kid-friendly)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in batches and sear until golden on all sides (it does not need to be fully cooked). Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, bourbon (or substitute), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Return chicken to the pan. Simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces slightly.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix an extra 1/2–1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the simmering sauce until glossy and thickened.
- Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a kid-friendly version, omit bourbon and replace with more apple juice.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar, or make it spicier with more red pepper flakes.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sear & Simmer
- Cuisine: American-Chinese Inspired