The Best Bourbon Chicken Recipe — Tender, Saucy, and Full of Flavor

This Bourbon Chicken is tender, moist, and full of flavor, and so simple to prepare! I’ve been testing this recipe for 20 years now, and it was time for a refresher on this recipe! It is my new fav thing!

One of the things that we absolutely love is that it’s so easy to spice it up or take it down a few notches, depending on who you will be sharing your meal with.

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

This chicken is sweet and sticky and made with tender and flavorful chicken thighs. Here is what you will need:

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy bites; chicken breasts work too if you prefer a leaner option.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth.
• Onion Powder: Builds flavor and rounds out the seasoning.
• Pepper: Essential for balance and a light heat.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly and prevents sticking.
• Ground Ginger: Blends beautifully into the sauce and adds that classic sweet-spicy flavor.
• Apple Cider: Adds richness, tang, and a subtle fruitiness that deepens the sauce.
• Water: Thins out the sauce to the right consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Brings the perfect caramelized sweetness to balance the tangy and savory notes.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and a light tang to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Gives depth, saltiness, and umami; low-sodium is best for control.
• Baby Carrots: Add a tender crunch and natural sweetness; slice in half lengthwise.
• Zucchini: Mild and tender, cut to bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Yellow Squash: Adds color and soft texture, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Yellow Onion: Sliced into bite-size pieces for a sweet, aromatic base.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced for that unmistakable punch of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasons the vegetables and tie the flavors together.
• Green Onions: Fresh and crisp, perfect for garnish and a pop of color.

The complete recipe with all the measurements can be found in the recipe card down at the end of the post. You can also save and/or print the recipe from there.

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.

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. 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: Mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat chicken thighs on both sides.
3. Sear: Heat oil in a skillet or grill and brown chicken 3-5 minutes per side.
4. Bake: Transfer chicken to an oven-safe skillet with sauce and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Rest 5 minutes, chop, and toss back in the sauce.
5. Veggies: Slice carrots, zucchini, squash, and onion. Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
6. Cook: 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.
7. Garnish: 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.

Does Bourbon Chicken Contain Bourbon?

It can if you want it to, but bourbon chicken is actually named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, so no need to buy any bourbon at all. If you want to add bourbon (or another alcohol), just swap it for half of the apple cider.

How Can I Make this Spicier?

If you want to add more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha. You have complete control of how spicy you make it.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken in the Crockpot?

I honestly don’t think it tastes as good, but you can make this recipe in the slow cooker. Brown the chicken first, as the instructions state. Pour the sauce into the crockpot and add the chicken. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5.

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. Chicken should be 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.

You don’t have to go to the mall to get that bourbon chicken you remember eating with friends in high school! Now you can make this classic take-out food totally from scratch at home! Enjoy!

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!