If you love bold, sweet-savory flavors with a hint of warmth, bourbon chicken is a must-try dinner. With roots tied to New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street, this dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a glossy glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and bourbon. The result? Juicy chicken coated in a sticky, crave-worthy sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.

Best of all, this bourbon chicken recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special.

What Is Bourbon Chicken?

Despite the name, bourbon chicken isn’t a traditional Cajun dish. It’s believed to be named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, as well as the bourbon whiskey used in the sauce. The alcohol cooks down quickly, leaving behind a deep, slightly smoky sweetness that balances beautifully with soy sauce and brown sugar.

If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, apple juice makes an excellent substitute.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Sweet, savory, and lightly spicy glaze
• Tender chicken thighs that stay juicy
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Bourbon Sauce

• ⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice)
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make Bourbon Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until lightly coated. This helps the sauce cling beautifully later.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, and crushed red pepper.

5. Simmer and Thicken

Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly.

6. Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and glossy.

7. Serve

Spoon bourbon chicken over warm rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier than breasts and absorb flavor better.
• Don’t skip the ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth that makes the sauce shine.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to taste.
• No bourbon? Apple juice works perfectly and keeps the dish family-friendly.

What to Serve With Bourbon Chicken

This dish is fantastic over rice, but you can round it out with:

• Steamed or stir-fried broccoli
• Green beans or snap peas
• Roasted vegetables
• Fried rice instead of plain rice

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

This bourbon chicken delivers everything you want in a quick, satisfying dinner — tender chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re recreating a mall-style favorite or just looking for a reliable weeknight winner, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.