• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to content
Preppy Kitchen logo
  • About
    • Meet John Kanell
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Breads
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Press
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Follow us on

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Chicken » Bourbon Chicken

    Bourbon Chicken

    Published: May 6, 2019 · Modified: Feb 24, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    The most delicious sweet, sticky, and crispy Bourbon Chicken served with rice and green onions. This Chinese-inspired dish is super easy to make at home when you don't feel like getting take-out!

    An overhead shot of Bourbon Chicken on a blue plate with rice
    6424 shares
    • Share
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken
    A interest graphic of Bourbon Chicken

    If Chinese takeout like Sweet and Sour Chicken or Orange Chicken is your comfort food go-to then you’re going to love this Bourbon Chicken recipe! Made with real bourbon it’s sweet, savory, sticky, crispy and so rich in flavor all thanks to a few simple ingredients and key tips! This dish is super quick and easy and tastes so delicious because its homemade. I love to serve this with fluffy rice and green onions for a complete Chinese-inspired meal! If you would like something more truly authentic than my Americanized version, then try something from Woks of Life.

    What you need to make this recipe

    An overhead shot of all the ingredients you need to make bourbon chicken

    Chicken – you can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs both work just as well just make sure they are skinless and boneless.

    Cornstarch – this is a key ingredient for creating a light and crispy batter on the chicken and for thickening the sauce!

    Bourbon – If you’re a bourbon aficionado, save the good stuff for sipping and reach for a less-expensive brand for marinating the chicken and simmering the sauce. You can always tilt a splash of the good stuff into the sauce at the last minute for an extra hit of bourbon goodness.

    Chicken stock – Make sure to use low sodium so the dish isn’t overly salty.

    How to Make Bourbon Chicken

    Two photos showing how to prepare the sauce and chicken to make bourbon chicken

    1. Mix the soy sauce, stock, bourbon, sugar, and spices in a bowl and set aside.

    2. Cut the chicken into strips and then toss in cornstarch.

    Two photos showing how to brown chicken and saute garlic

    4. Fry the chicken in batches until crispy then set aside on a plate.

    5. Add garlic to the hot pan and fry for a minute until fragrant.

    Two photos showing how to finish making bourbon chicken

    5. Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a boil to deglaze the pan.

    6. Add the chicken and simmer until the sauce has thickened and reduced, serve.

    An overhead shot of Bourbon Chicken on a serving plate

    Pro tips for making this recipe

    • There are a few red pepper flakes in this recipe that gives a subtle heat but if you’d like this to be extra spicy try adding in some sriracha, chili powder, or extra red pepper flakes.
    • When cooking the chicken do it in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan so it turns golden and crispy!
    • Don’t use an extra special Bourbon for this recipe, a less expensive brand will do.
    • If you don’t have bourbon you could use brandy, Scotch or Whiskey!
    • If you prefer you can use fresh ginger instead of ground it will just give a stronger flavor.
    • Brown sugar gives a delicious caramelized flavor you won’t get the same results with white sugar.
    • The sauce will thicken as it reduces thanks to the sugar and cornflour.
    • Use low sodium chicken stock and soy sauce so you can control how much salt goes into the dish.

    A close up of Bourbon Chicken on top of rice

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    Can I prepare this in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the whole dish and reheat it when you are ready to eat or you can fry the chicken in advance so all that’s left to do is cook the sauce and add the chicken at last minute.

    Non-alcohol substitutions for bourbon

    Contrary to popular belief, alcohol doesn’t cook out of foods as quickly as you might think. So, if you’re planning to serve this dish to the kiddos, opt for a 21-and-under substitution for the bourbon, such as organic unfiltered apple juice.

    What to serve with this

    I love to serve this bourbon chicken with rice and sprinkling on green onions on top, it’s so simple and delicious. Check out our Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe to make perfect fluffy rice in no time. You could also serve this with sauteed broccoli, noodles, or a nice fresh salad.

    Can you freeze this?

    Absolutely, bourbon chicken freezes really well but just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating. Leftovers will also keep well in the fridge for around  2-3 days.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Chicken fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet behind it

      Chicken Fried Rice

    • An overhead shot of moo goo gai pan in a platter and some served over a plate of rice.

      Moo Goo Gai Pan

    • An overhead shot of sweet and sour chicken and rice on a blue plate

      Sweet and Sour Chicken

    • An overhead shot of Kung Pao chicken on a blue plate with a glass of wine beside it

      Kung Pao Chicken

    • Rice and orange chicken on a plate with orange wedges in the background

      Orange Chicken

    If you’ve tried this Bourbon Chicken then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A close up of Bourbon Chicken sprinkled with green onions
    Print
    5 from 76 votes

    Bourbon Chicken

    Sweet, sticky and delicious Bourbon Chicken. Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 314kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/3 cup bourbon
    • 1/3 cup soy sauce
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 1/3 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
    • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • 3 green onions chopped thinly for garnish

    Instructions

    • Mix the soy sauce, stock, bourbon, brown sugar and spices in a bowl then set aside.
    • Cut the chicken into half inch thick strips then cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Place in a bowl and toss with cornstarch so the pieces are coated.
    • Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot add the chicken in two batches. Cook on one side for about 3 minutes then flip. Do not move around, let it get nice and crispy.
    • Transfer chicken to a plate and add about two tablespoons of oil to you pan add garlic and cook while moving constantly until fragrant. less than a minute.
    • Pour in the sauce and use a wooden spoon to mix and deglaze the pan. Bring to a boil and cook for a minute then add the chicken back in and reduce to a simmer. Move the chicken to coat and cook until reduced by about half.
    • Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with rice.

    Video

    Notes

    • I usually end up using closer to a pound and a half of chicken for this recipe.
    • There are a few red pepper flakes in this recipe that gives a subtle heat but if you'd like this to be extra spicy try adding in some sriracha, chili powder, or extra red pepper flakes.
    • When cooking the chicken do it in batches and don't overcrowd the pan so it turns golden and crispy!
    • Don't use an extra special Bourbon for this recipe, a less expensive brand will do.
    • If you don't have bourbon you could use brandy, Scotch or Whiskey!
    • If you prefer you can use fresh ginger instead of ground it will just give a stronger flavor.
    • Brown sugar gives a delicious caramelized flavor you won't get the same results with white sugar.
    • The sauce will thicken as it reduces thanks to the sugar and cornflour.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1329mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 161IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Baked Chicken Thighs
    Mud Pie »

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

    Search

    Follow Us On

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Preppy Kitchen Newsletter

    Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Buy My Book

    Preppy Kitchen Cookbook

    As Seen On

    As seen on Elle Décor, People, Food Network and more

    Top recipes This Month

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    • A group of pink macarons on a serving tray next to flowers

      Macaron Recipe

    • A photo of a vanilla cupcake on a cupcake stand with vanilla buttercream frosting beautifully piped on top.

      Buttercream Frosting

    • A plate with multiple cake pops on it with one with a bite taken out.

      Cake Pops

    • A group of shortbread cookies. some are stacked while others are on crumpled paper.

      Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    • A cake stand with a slice of red velvet cake cut out and placed on a plate in front.

      Red Velvet Cake

    • A slice of vanilla cake on a plate in front of the cake on a cake stand.

      Vanilla Cake Recipe

    • A slice of lemon cake on a plate in front of a cake stand holding the rest of the cake.

      Lemon Cake

    Footer

    As Seen On:

    Elle Décor, People, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Woman's Day, forkly, Yummly, the Bump, Buzz Feed, Home and Family and New York magazine.

    The Brand

    • About John
    • Press

    Preppy Kitchen Logo

    Dessert Recipes

    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Pies
    • All Desserts

    Main Course Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • InstantPot
    • Soups
    • Salads

    COPYRIGHT © 2015–2023 PREPPY KITCHEN | PRIVACY POLICY

    6424 shares