Dinner

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Name: Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons garlic chili sauce with crushed red pepper; 1 cup apple cider; ¾ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup ketchup; 4 tablespoons cider vinegar; ⅓ cup bourbon; ⅓ cup soy sauce

ByEthan Lark October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

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Introduction

Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, sweet, and tangy dish inspired by Cajun cuisine. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, and spices, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

A white plate holds a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is made of cooked brown rice mixed with dark beans, showing a grainy and slightly moist texture, while the top layer consists of cooked, cubed pieces of reddish-brown chicken coated in a glossy sauce that gives them a shiny, tender look. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
¼ teaspoon fresh ginger
2 tablespoons garlic chili sauce with crushed red pepper
1 cup apple cider
¾ cup light brown sugar
½ cup ketchup
4 tablespoons cider vinegar
⅓ cup bourbon
⅓ cup soy sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes, crushed garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
Step 2: Stir in the garlic chili sauce, apple cider, ketchup, cider vinegar, soy sauce, and bourbon. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add the light brown sugar to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce sticks well to the chicken.
Step 4: Serve the bourbon chicken hot, ideally with red beans and rice or your favorite Cajun side dishes.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of garlic chili sauce or add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
To deepen the sauce’s flavor, allow it to simmer longer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve over steamed white rice or with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is a mix of brown rice and dark red beans, showing a grainy texture and scattered beans, while the top layer is made of chunky, crispy pieces of reddish-brown cooked chicken glazed with a shiny sauce. A metallic fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially touching the food. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make bourbon chicken without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version without compromising much on flavor.

Is bourbon chicken spicy?

The dish has a mild to medium spiciness thanks to the garlic chili sauce and crushed red pepper. You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing these ingredients according to your taste.