Bourbon Chicken

4.60 from 95 votes

Sweet, sticky, and full of that nostalgic food court flavor, this Better Than The Mall Bourbon Chicken is quick, easy, and made with real ingredients. Juicy chicken thighs in a glossy bourbon-soy glaze that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Marinating Time30

Total Time1

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minute meals, bourbon chicken, bourbon chicken recipe

Servings:

Calories: 544kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

Marinade

½ cup Bourbon
½ cup soy sauce low sodium
½ cup water
4 cloves garlic minced
½ cup brown sugar packed
1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
2 tablespoons red wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chicken

2 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into smaller pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chives chopped

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a medium bowl thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, toss them around, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to overnight.
In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium to high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add half the marinade to the chicken and continue cooking until the marinade turns into a thicker sauce and the chicken is fully cooked. Should take another 5 to 10 minutes.
If you want some extra sauce, cook the remaining marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat, for about 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces about half and thickens a bit.
Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with chives.

Video

Notes

Thighs > Breasts: Thighs stay juicy and soak up the sauce like a dream. You can use breasts, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Real bourbon, real flavor: Don’t skip it. It gives the sauce depth and that signature “what is that?” deliciousness. No, it doesn’t taste boozy.
The sauce thickens fast: Keep an eye on it and stir often. You want it sticky, not burned.
Extra sauce? Always: Reduce the leftover marinade on the side. You’ll want more to drizzle over rice or mop up with veggies.
Make it ahead: It reheats beautifully and gets even better the next day. Fridge or freezer, your future self will thank you.

Nutrition