The Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This Bourbon Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s even better than takeout. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, it’s an easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

I’ve been making versions of this recipe for nearly 20 years, and after a recent refresh, it’s officially better than ever. Serve it over rice with your favorite vegetables for a meal the whole family will love.

There used to be this bourbon chicken at the Washington Square Mall when I was in high school. Yes, mall food! I can hardly believe I’m admitting that. I’m sure I’d be disappointed if I tried it now, but honestly this homemade version is even better.

And don’t get me started on Hot Dog on a Stick or the cheese on a stick. Ridiculous, I know. But I’d still totally try making that one at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Bourbon Chicken is that it uses simple pantry ingredients to create that signature sweet, savory, sticky sauce everyone loves.

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay incredibly tender and juicy while soaking up all the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce. Chicken breasts can be substituted if you prefer a leaner option.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and helps season the chicken evenly.
• Onion Powder: Brings subtle sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the sweet sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful golden sear on the chicken while preventing sticking.
• Ground Ginger: Adds warm, slightly spicy flavor that’s essential to classic bourbon chicken.
• Apple Cider: Provides sweetness and tang while helping create the rich, flavorful sauce.
• Water: Balances the sauce ingredients and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Creates the signature sweet, sticky glaze that makes bourbon chicken so irresistible.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Brings rich umami flavor and gives the sauce its savory depth.
• Baby Carrots: Add color, texture, and a hint of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Zucchini: Tender and mild, zucchini soaks up the sauce beautifully while adding extra vegetables to the meal.
• Yellow Squash: Adds a pop of color and a delicate sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
• Yellow Onion: Becomes sweet and tender as it cooks, adding flavor to the vegetable side.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds bold flavor and elevates the vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
• Green Onions: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken:

This Bourbon Chicken recipe is full of bold flavor and comes together quickly. Sweet, savory, and a little tangy, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

1. Make the Sauce: Combine garlic powder, ginger, apple cider, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 minutes.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat chicken thighs on both sides. Pan sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides then move to the oven and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Slice carrots, zucchini, squash, and onion. Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds. Add remaining veggies, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden. Flip to cook evenly or roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
4. Assemble and Serve: Top chicken and veggies with sliced green onions and serve with white rice.

Enjoy this Bourbon Chicken with your favorite rice and veggies for a complete, flavorful meal. The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, making it a dish everyone will love.

What to Serve with Bourbon Chicken?

We like to serve this chicken over steamed rice or fried rice with a side of sautéed veggies. For veggies like in the photos, slice baby carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, and onion. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onion until almost translucent, then add the other veggies with salt and pepper. Cook until golden on one side, then flip and cook the other side.

For an easier option, toss everything in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Other great sides include sautéed snap peas or grilled asparagus.

Bourbon Chicken FAQs

Storing and Reheating

Cooked chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Chicken should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking and stored in an airtight container.

Reheat refrigerated Bourbon Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered, to keep the chicken moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the sauce and chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

• Cook up to 4 days ahead.
• Store chicken, rice, and vegetables separately.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop.

You don’t have to head to the food court to enjoy your favorite Bourbon Chicken anymore. This homemade version is packed with sweet, savory flavor, easy enough for a weeknight, and even better than the version I remember from high school.

More Easy Asian Chicken Recipes to Try:

• Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Crispy Honey Chicken
• Baked Sesame Chicken
• Easy Orange Chicken
• All our ASIAN RECIPES here!

Watch How This Bourbon Chicken Recipe is Made…