If you love chicken with a twist, you've got to check out these five best bourbon chicken recipes! From the classic sweet and tangy version to a smoky grilled option, there's something for everyone. You can whip up a stir-fry for a quick dinner, toss it in a slow cooker for an easy meal, or even get creative with skewers. Curious about which one will become your new favorite? Let's explore the delicious details!
Classic Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of marinated chicken and a sweet, tangy sauce, making it a favorite in many households. This classic recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of soy sauce, bourbon, and brown sugar creates a rich glaze that coats the tender chicken, while green onions add a fresh finish. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat, allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and cook in the skillet until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until thickened. Add the green onions and cook for an additional minute before serving.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Bourbon Chicken, consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or even overnight for a deeper taste.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a healthier option, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Pairing the dish with steamed broccoli or snap peas can add a nutritious element and vibrant color to your plate. Enjoy your cooking!
Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry

Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender chicken pieces with crisp vegetables, all coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a bustling Asian bistro.
The addition of colorful vegetables not only improves the dish's presentation but also contributes essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
To prepare the Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper, cooking until they're golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, snow peas, broccoli, garlic, and ginger, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the soy sauce, bourbon, and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a minute, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated before serving over cooked rice.
For the best results, make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying requires quick movements.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences; carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms work beautifully as well. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Finally, marinating the chicken in the soy sauce and bourbon for 30 minutes prior to cooking can improve the flavor even more!
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Utilizing a slow cooker allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors as it cooks low and slow, resulting in a dish that isn't only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying.
Serve it over rice or noodles to complete the meal and enjoy the delightful taste of this classic dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger to create the sauce.
Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they're well coated with the sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it.
Return the chicken to the sauce, mix well, and serve over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will yield a more tender result.
Finally, don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, which can be added to the slow cooker for added nutrition and color.
Grilled Bourbon Chicken

Grilled Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with tender chicken, resulting in a sweet and savory meal that's perfect for any gathering.
This recipe focuses on marinating the chicken in a flavorful bourbon sauce before grilling it to perfection. The caramelization that occurs during grilling adds a delicious depth to the dish, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts.
Serve it with rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that's bound to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they're fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and garnishing with chopped green onions.
Extra Tips:
For an even more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the marinade for a tangy kick.
If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
To guarantee even cooking, try to keep the chicken thighs uniform in size.
If you're short on time, marinating for just 30 minutes can still produce a delicious result, but the longer you marinate, the better the flavors will meld.
Enjoy grilling!
Bourbon Chicken Skewers
Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of bourbon-infused chicken to the grill. These skewers aren't only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch with their sweet and savory marinade, making them perfect for summer barbecues or any casual gathering.
The combination of tender chicken pieces glazed with a rich bourbon sauce creates an irresistible smoky flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making certain they're well coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove from the grill and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
Finally, always verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Enjoy your Bourbon Chicken Skewers with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal!