How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken in 30 Minutes?

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a dish that’s as delicious as it is quick? Today, I’m sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Easy Bourbon Chicken that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This sweet and savory bourbon chicken recipe is a game-changer for quick family dinners and will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinner ideas!
• A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love.
• Easy to customize—make it spicy or keep it mild, depending on your preference.
• Great for meal prep or serving a crowd.
• Pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a stir-fry with chopsticks for a fun meal!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra for thickening)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• ⅔ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• ⅓ cup apple juice
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
• 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this Easy Bourbon Chicken. It’s simpler than you think, and the result is absolutely divine!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat the chicken pieces. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cornstarch to adhere properly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook on one side without stirring for 3 minutes. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked here—just nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. You might need to do this in two batches to avoid crowding the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the rest of the sauce ingredients (chicken broth through red pepper flakes). Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer and Combine

Reduce the heat to low and add the chicken back to the sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half and the chicken is fully cooked. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can combine ½ – 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken before removing from heat.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t hesitate to use the cornstarch slurry method. It makes the dish feel more indulgent and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Adjusting Heat: If you like a little spice, keep the red pepper flakes in. If not, omit them or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Version: To make this dish without bourbon, you can substitute it with an additional ¼ cup of apple juice or chicken broth. It will still be flavorful and delicious!
• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

How to Serve

This Easy Bourbon Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Over Steamed Rice: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss cooked noodles in the sauce for a quick and easy pasta dinner.
• As a Stir-Fry: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh Olive Garden Salad or a fruity Strawberry Crunch Salad for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up for later. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Cool the chicken and sauce to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Reheat: When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

And there you have it—a delicious, quick, and easy bourbon chicken recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it as part of a quick family dinner or prepping it for 30-minute meals, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Pair it with a simple side like Fruit Shuffles for a light and refreshing finish to the meal. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!