Easy Bourbon Chicken – Sweet, Sticky & Delicious!
This Easy Bourbon Chicken is better than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce—perfect served over fluffy white rice. A quick and budget-friendly weeknight dinner your family will love!
📝 Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup apple juice (or bourbon, if available)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
Toss them in a bowl with black pepper, onion powder, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This helps create a light coating and allows the sauce to cling better.
Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those browned bits add flavor!):
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in apple juice (or bourbon), ketchup, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and ground ginger.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry.
Pour it into the sauce while stirring continuously.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Stir well to coat every piece in the sticky sauce.
Simmer for another 4–5 minutes until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce thickens to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over steamed white rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
Tips
For a stronger flavor, use bourbon instead of apple juice.
Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers to make it a complete meal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Great for meal prep!