Name: Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Sweet and Savory
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless (skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice); 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Optional: Green onions (sesame seeds); Suggested Pairings: Iced tea (steamed rice)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Bourbon Chicken is a sweet and savory dish, perfect as a main course for family dinners, casual meals, or gatherings. This popular recipe, featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, glossy bourbon sauce with a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, delivers a bold, satisfying taste. Presented in a white ceramic dish, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, this Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple stovetop method with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing meal that brings warm, comforting charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Bourbon Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

Optional: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Suggested Accompaniments: Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables
Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, light beer
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic dish
Suggested Equipment: Large skillet or wok, knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Adjust Flavor: Taste a small spoonful of the sauce and adjust with more brown sugar, soy sauce, or vinegar for a balanced, sweet-savory flavor.
Serve: Transfer chicken and sauce to a white ceramic dish. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice with stir-fried vegetables, paired with iced tea or light beer.

Tips for Better Bourbon Chicken

Use chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts work for a leaner option.
Taste and adjust the sauce before serving to balance sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Cook bourbon briefly to reduce alcohol content while retaining flavor; substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Present in a white ceramic dish to highlight the glossy sauce and garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare sauce and chicken up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate separately and combine when reheating.
Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; ground ginger (1/4 tsp) can substitute in a pinch.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a vibrant, appetizing pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Bourbon Chicken: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari; confirm cornstarch is gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Bourbon Chicken: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt in accompaniments.
Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Chicken: Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp or add 1 tsp sriracha to the sauce.
Vegetarian Bourbon Chicken: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms; press tofu to remove excess water before cooking.
Honey Bourbon Chicken: Replace brown sugar with 3 tbsp honey for a different sweetness.
Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add 1/2 cup diced pineapple with the sauce for a tropical twist.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken: Combine all ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) in a slow cooker; cook on low for 4–5 hours; stir in slurry and cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serve hot for the best glossy sauce and tender chicken texture.
Use as a main dish for dinners or gatherings.
Pair with iced tea or light beer to complement the sweet-savory flavors.
Present in a white ceramic dish with garnishes for a vibrant, appetizing charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (about 1 cup each, without rice):

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 34g
Vitamin A: 2% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
Calcium: 4% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sodium or vegetarian options reduce sodium or cholesterol). Moderate in calories; high in protein.

Conclusion

This Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers a sweet and savory dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The tender chicken and glossy sauce delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its warm, crowd-pleasing charm.