Name: Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American-Chinese
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed; 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, rinsed and patted dry; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1/3 cup hoisin sauce; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 cup brown sugar

This Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Tender chicken thighs marinated in aromatic spices, then simmered in a sweet and savory sauce that caramelizes to sticky perfection. Ready in about 40 minutes (plus marinating time), this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of hoisin, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible – sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easy to find at any grocery store.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that works any day of the week.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
Better Than Takeout: Why spend money on takeout when you can make something even more delicious at home?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs stay juicy and tender, absorbing all the wonderful marinade flavors. They’re nearly impossible to overcook, making them perfect for this recipe.
Hoisin Sauce: The secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive flavor – it adds sweetness, depth, and that umami quality that makes you crave more.
Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and that classic Asian flavor profile that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Brown Sugar: Creates that beautiful sticky glaze and caramelization that makes Bourbon Chicken irresistible.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics form the flavor foundation – fresh is best, but powdered works in a pinch.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety smooth sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to develop those delicious browned bits of flavor.
Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning create layers of flavor that make this dish stand out.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Replace chicken thighs with chicken breast, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!

Heat Level

Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne to give your Bourbon Chicken a spicy kick.

Veggie Boost

Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots during the final simmer for a complete one-pan meal.

Sauce Adjustments

Less Sweet: Reduce the brown sugar by half.
More Umami: Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce to the mix.
Tangier Version: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice at the end.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken thighs with hoisin sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning in a large bowl. Toss until every piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight in the refrigerator will give you even more flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful char and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Slice the cooked chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece of chicken gets coated in that glossy sauce. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes so the chicken can absorb all those amazing flavors.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon your Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sear: Take your time when browning the chicken – those caramelized bits add tremendous flavor to the final dish.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Taste as You Go: Everyone’s preferences are different, so taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
Rest Before Cutting: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep all those delicious juices inside.
Use the Same Pan: Don’t wash that skillet after cooking the chicken! Those browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan will add incredible depth to your sauce.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Bourbon Chicken is classically served over steamed white rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. For a healthier option, try brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Complete the Meal

Add a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a simple Asian slaw for a balanced meal. The slight bitterness of vegetables creates a perfect contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for color and extra flavor. Serve family-style in a large dish or portion individually over rice for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.

Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain the best texture.

FAQs

What exactly is Bourbon Chicken? Does it contain bourbon?
Despite its name, traditional Bourbon Chicken doesn’t actually contain bourbon whiskey! The dish was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it originated. Our version focuses on the sweet-savory flavor profile that made this dish famous, using hoisin and soy sauce as the flavor base.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work perfectly in this recipe, though they cook a bit faster than thighs. Reduce the cooking time to about 4 minutes per side to prevent them from drying out, and make sure not to overcook them when simmering in the sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular hoisin and soy sauces with gluten-free versions, which are readily available in most grocery stores. Double-check your poultry seasoning as well, as some blends may contain gluten ingredients.

My sauce is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or even pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Chicken recipe brings all the comfort and satisfaction of takeout with the pride of making something truly special at home. The combination of tender chicken and that irresistible sticky-sweet sauce creates a meal that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week ahead, or impressing friends at a dinner party, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!