This easy bourbon chicken recipe is a classic dish that's ready in under 30 minutes and combines delicious tangy and sweet flavors. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a savory Bourbon sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal.
Have you been looking for a dish that’s quick to make but packed with flavor? Then this bourbon chicken without alcohol is what you need. As flavorful and tasty as this dish is, it only takes 10 minutes to prepare!
The perfect blend of sweetness and umami tastes will have your family asking for seconds.
If you're a fan of this recipe, you may also enjoy my mustard chicken Or, for a hearty Italian option, my chicken ragu is a family favorite that never fails to please. Or, if you're in the mood for something creamy and comforting, my chicken mushroom stroganoff is a must-try.
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Why This Is The Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This bourbon chicken without alcohol recipe is so easy to make. With a total time of just 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal on the table without hours of effort.
- Irresistible Flavors: The combination of tangy tamari sauce and savory chicken broth gives this dish a flavor that's truly unforgettable. It's a family favorite for a reason!
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. It's the perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't want a ton of cleanup.
- Comfort Food: With its sweet and savory flavors, this bourbon chicken is the ultimate comfort food. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, and it's guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs and apple cider, making it a great option for families on a budget. It's a delicious meal that won't break the bank.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, these are the star of our dish. They’ll be cooked to perfection and coated in our sweet and savory bourbon sauce.
- Garlic: Minced for a robust flavor that infuses the entire dish.
- Apple cider: Brings a natural sweetness and tang to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the chicken's natural flavor and keeps it moist during cooking.
- Tamari sauce: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, it adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch, making the dish more visually appealing.
- Green onions (optional): Chopped for garnish, they add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
How to Make Bourbon Chicken
Making this incredible bourbon chicken recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Cut the chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size pieces. Then, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the chicken, making sure it's evenly coated. This will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the chicken: Heat some avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring every few minutes, until it's brown and cooked through. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: While your chicken is cooking, it's time to prepare the sauce. In a measuring cup, whisk together red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, Tamari, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Combine the chicken and sauce: Pour the bourbon sauce over your cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle your bourbon chicken with sesame seeds and green onions. Spoon your bourbon chicken over a bed of rice and enjoy this delicious, homemade dish!
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Bourbon Chicken
- Use Cornstarch for a Crispy Coating: In this bourbon chicken recipe, we use cornstarch to coat the chicken. This not only helps to thicken the sauce later on, but it also gives the chicken a nice, crispy exterior when it's cooked.
- Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. They are not only flavorful, but they also have a tenderness that works well in stir-fry dishes like this. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can absolutely use them. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster.
- Adjust the Heat to Your Liking: If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you love a bit of heat, feel free to add more.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: When simmering, the sauce allows the flavors to meld together while maintaining the tenderness of the chicken. Boiling can make the chicken tough, so be sure to simmer over a medium heat until the sauce thickens.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete meal, serve this bourbon chicken over a bed of fluffy, white rice. The rice's mild flavor complements the savory, sticky chicken perfectly.
- Want to add some vegetables to your dish? Try serving this bourbon chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or a mix of stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas. The crunch of the vegetables pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken.
- For a more filling dinner, consider serving this bourbon chicken with a side of noodles or even some fried rice. The hearty carbs will soak up the sweet and savory bourbon sauce, making for a satisfying meal.
- If you're watching your carb intake, this bourbon chicken also tastes great on its own or with a side salad. The freshness of the greens will balance out the rich flavors of the chicken.
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Spicier: If you're a fan of spicy food, this variation is for you. Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe to your liking. The extra heat will add a new dimension of flavor to this already savory dish.
- Vegetarian: For those who prefer a meatless dish, this variation is a great option. Replace the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also add some vegetarian chicken substitutes.
- Hawaiian: This variation is perfect for those who love the sweetness of tropical fruits. Add some pineapple chunks to the dish and replace the apple juice with pineapple juice. This will give your bourbon chicken a sweet and tangy Hawaiian twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great choice for this dish. However, if you don't have it on hand, you can use other oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
Yes, you can. Tamari sauce is a type of soy sauce that is gluten-free. If you don't have Tamari, you can use regular soy sauce. Just be mindful of the salt level and adjust the seasoning as needed.
If you don't have apple juice, you can use apple cider or even water. The apple juice adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, so you may need to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking if you use a different liquid.
The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).
To make sure that the bourbon sauce thickens properly, make sure to whisk the cornstarch with the other sauce ingredients before pouring it over the chicken. Also, simmer the chicken and sauce together until it reaches the desired thickness.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerating: After enjoying this delicious bourbon chicken dish, you might have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store them in the fridge. Simply place the chicken in an airtight container and it will keep for up to four days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for up to three months. Just make sure it's in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag to maintain its flavor and tenderness.
- Thawing and Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
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Recipe
Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger about 1 inch
- ¼ teaspoon Tamari sauce or soy sauce, preferably low-sodium
- ¼ teaspoon apple juice
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional
- 2 green onions chopped, optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook, stirring every few minutes, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
- Meanwhile, in a measuring cup, whisk red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, Tamari, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken and simmer until the sauce thickens, 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve over rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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