Bourbon Chicken – WellPlated.com (2024)

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With tender pieces of chicken stir-fried in a sweet and tangy sauce over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, no one complains when sticky Bourbon Chicken is on the menu! This easy recipe is a lighter twist on the original New Orleans Chinese-American recipe.

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Traditional Bourbon chicken is a stir-fry-style recipe that features pieces of fried chicken thighs in a sweet, sticky, and savory brown sugar bourbon glaze.

It tastes sweet, a little salty, and tangy, similar to other popular Chinese-American dishes like General Tso Chicken and Healthy Orange Chicken.

While the original recipe originated in New Orleans, these days, you can find Bourbon chicken well beyond the French Quarter.

It’s a frequent menu item at shopping mall food courts and at many Chinese takeout restaurants around the country.

And with this easy Bourbon chicken recipe, you can bring all of its deliciousness into your very own kitchen.

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5 Star Review

“This was absolutely the best Bourbon chicken I’ve ever had. It’s better than take-out.”

— Becky —

Why Is It Called Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon chicken is named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans (that’s also why the “Bourbon” in Bourbon chicken” is capitalized).

  • As the story goes, the dish was popularized in a Chinese restaurant that was located on Bourbon Street.

Bourbon chicken does actually have alcohol in the sauce, though most of it cooks off.

  • In keeping with the name, bourbon is used in Bourbon chicken. It helps balance the sauce and keeps it from tasting too sweet.
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About this Bourbon Chicken Recipe

The food court Bourbon chicken recipe you find in shopping malls is battered and fried, and the sauce contains a hefty amount of brown sugar and other mystery sweeteners.

  • I wanted to create Bourbon chicken like the food court in taste and spirit, but I wanted mine to be lightly pan-fried instead of deep-fried.
  • I also wanted to reduce the amount of sugar in the original Louisiana Bourbon chicken sauce.
  • For example: many authentic Bourbon chicken mall recipes call for 1 full cup of brown sugar or more, which to me is more akin to dessert.

With the help of my reader-favorite CrockpotBourbonChicken recipe as a starting point, I arrived at today’s lighter Bourbon chicken recipe.

The sauce is thick and sticky (one of the best parts of this dish!), the meat is fork tender and juicy, and it has enough sweetness to satisfy that food court craving without going overboard.

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How to Make Bourbon Chicken

The Bourbon chicken sauce uses sweet, salty, and acidic ingredients to achieve the right balance.

Typically, it is served with rice, though you can certainly turn it into lettuce wraps, mix in sautéed vegetables or Roasted Broccoli (what we usually do), or serve it with a crisp salad, like this Asian Cabbage Salad.

The Ingredients

  • Chicken Thighs. Bourbon chicken thighs are mouthwateringly juicy! The thigh meat stays tender, is more flavorful, and won’t dry out during cooking.

Substitution Tip

While I prefer chicken thighs for this recipe, you can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer that cut of meat for your protein.

  • Cornstarch. Cornstarch helps the outside of the chicken brown to mimic the deep-fried original, and it thickens the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce. Gives the sauce a boost of umami flavor.
  • Bourbon. This recipe’s namesake. While the flavor isn’t strong, it helps balance the sauce and is the secret to the BEST Bourbon chicken with authentic flavor.
  • Maple Syrup. Helps make the sauce sweet, sticky, and delicious.
  • Brown Sugar. A modest amount for additional sweetness. It also helps thicken the sauce.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. Adds necessary acidity to the sauce mixture.
  • Green Onions. Adds color, crunch, anda mild onion flavor. Perfect for a garnish.

TIP!

Looking for some extra pizzaz? Toss in some sesame seeds for texture and red pepper flakes for a little kick!

The Directions

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  1. Stir the chicken and part of the cornstarch together.
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  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients and remaining cornstarch together.
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  1. Cook the chicken.
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  1. Pour in the sauce and stir. Simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, then garnish with green onions. Serve with rice, and ENJOY!

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • To Reheat. Rewarm chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip

Up to 1 day in advance, cut the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish the recipe.

Leftover Ideas

Of course, leftovers are delicious served over a bed of rice or noodles, but they’re also tasty served in lettuce leaves (a spin on my beloved Lettuce Wraps).

What to Serve with Bourbon Chicken

While a side of steamed white or Instant Pot Brown Rice (or Cauliflower Fried Rice) is truly all this dish needs to feel complete, I often like to complete our takeout experience with one or more of these other tasty Asian-inspired side dishes or starters.

  • Appetizer. Start your meal with a round of Asian Lettuce Wraps, Air Fryer Tofu, or Edamame Hummus.
  • Salads. To incorporate some freshness, pair this healthy Bourbon chicken with this Asian Cucumber Salad, Asian Cabbage Salad, or Asian Noodle Salad.
  • Vegetables. Looking for simple? Serve this Bourbon chicken with a side of Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, or Air Fryer Cauliflower. All taste fantastic with the sweet bourbon sauce.
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Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

  • Liquid Measuring Cup. You can measure and mix ingredients in this glass measuring cup.
  • Large Skillet. Perfect for making this recipe. Could even use a wok!
  • Measuring Spoons. This recipe has lots of ingredients to measure, and these measuring spoons are up for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does All the Alcohol Cook Out of Bourbon Chicken?

Most of the alcohol does cook out of the sauce, but I recommend avoiding the recipe if you are concerned about having any consumption whatsoever (pregnancy, abstaining, etc.).

Can I Make Bourbon Chicken without Bourbon?

While I’m partial to making this sauce with bourbon (I promise it’s worth it!), you could experiment with swapping the bourbon for 1/4 cup apple juice or chicken broth. It will have a slightly different flavor but should still be tasty.

What Can I Do with Extra Bourbon Sauce?

If you have lots of leftover sauce (I’m jealous!) or simply want to make some on its own, you can use it in a variety of ways. I think it would be scrumptious tossed with Air Fryer Shrimp, Crispy Tofu, or drizzled over an Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Use it as a dipping sauce for Crispy Asian Chicken Tenders. For an easy side dish, toss it with some Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Is Bourbon Chicken Chinese or Cajun?

It’s a little bit of both! Born in New Orleans at a Chinese restaurant, the dish is a hybrid that brings together the ingredients and cooking methods of both cuisines and cultures.

Is Bourbon Chicken Gluten Free?

To make this recipe gluten free, you will want to opt for your favorite brand of tamari rather than traditional soy sauce. Also, despite many bourbons being distilled with wheat, barley, or rye, most are considered safe for people with celiac disease because of the distillation process. However, if you are particularly sensitive to gluten or have concerns, I recommend consulting with a physician before making this recipe with bourbon.

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Review

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Bourbon Chicken

5 from 6 votes

How to make Bourbon chicken, a New Orleans Chinese-Cajun favorite. Juicy chicken pieces in a sweet and sticky sauce. Easy and delicious!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Review

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon anything good enough to mix into a co*cktail (Bulleit is my go-to)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces (or boneless, skinless chicken breast)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions plus additional for serving
  • 2 cups prepared brown rice for serving

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons cornstarch over the top, then with a spoon, stir to evenly coat the chicken in the cornstarch.

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  • In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir together the soy sauce, bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch.

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  • In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat on the stove top. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken, breaking apart any pieces that stick together. Brown on all sides, stirring every so often, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

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  • Add the bourbon sauce. Cooking, stirring often, until the sauce is glossy and thickened, 2 to 4 minutes (you'll still have plenty of extra sauce, ideal for spooning over the rice). Stir in the green onions. Serve hot over rice, with additional green onions sprinkled on top.

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Video

Notes

  • Adapted from my Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4), without riceCalories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 34gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 162mgPotassium: 525mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 126IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

Bourbon Chicken – WellPlated.com (2024)

FAQs

Is there alcohol in bourbon chicken? ›

If you use bourbon in your sauce, some of the alcohol will cook off, and you'll be left with a little bourbon flavor. If you plan to make this dish for children, the residual alcohol content is something to consider. You would need to cook the sauce for at least three hours to remove all traces of alcohol.

How long is bourbon chicken good for in the fridge? ›

TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. TO REHEAT: Rewarm chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

What is bourbon chicken made of? ›

The main ingredients are simple: soy sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and, of course, bourbon. When combined, they create a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Bourbon chicken is a family favorite in our house, and I bet it will be in yours too.

What is bourbon chicken called at Panda Express? ›

Panda's new Blazing Bourbon Chicken combines Southern American tradition with Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken, all amped up by the inclusion of "Hot Ones" spiciest sauce, Last Dab Apollo.

Can kids eat food cooked with bourbon? ›

The choice is up to you. You may choose to use cooking methods that help to reduce the alcohol content and use less alcohol in a dish to make it safer for your child. Otherwise the safer option is to choose to leave out alcoholic drinks when preparing food for babies and children.

Can kids have bourbon chicken? ›

Bring it to a simmer and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. The heat will cook off any alcohol content from the bourbon making it safe to eat for children.

Can you eat 7 day old chicken? ›

USDA recommends using cooked chicken within three to four days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

Why don't you keep bourbon in the fridge? ›

You should keep your bourbon at room temperature, which is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're going to drink it within a few days, you can place your container in the fridge. However, leaving bourbon in the cold for a long period of time can alter the flavors.

Does chicken go bad after 5 days in fridge? ›

Raw chicken lasts in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cooked chicken lasts 3–4 days. To detect if chicken has gone bad, check the “best if used by” date and look for signs of spoilage like changes in smell, texture, and color. Avoid eating spoiled chicken, as it can cause food poisoning — even if you cook it thoroughly.

What ethnicity is bourbon chicken? ›

Bourbon chicken is a dish named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, and for the bourbon whiskey ingredient. The dish is commonly found at North American restaurants serving Cajun-themed or American Chinese cuisine.

Does bourbon chicken have sugar? ›

Savor the vibrant spirit of Bourbon Street with our Bourbon Street Chicken. Succulent chicken marinated in a harmonious blend of green onion, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Is bourbon chicken the same as teriyaki chicken? ›

Is bourbon chicken the same as teriyaki chicken? The two chicken dishes have a lot of similarities, both sauces use soy sauce as a key ingredient. But, at the end of the day, they are distinctly different. Bourbon chicken is an umami bomb that features sweet, nutty, toasty, and spiced notes.

Why is Panda Express chicken so soft? ›

Why is Panda Express chicken so soft? Chinese restaurants use a cooking technique called velveting. One method is to marinate the meat with cornstarch to create a moist, velvety soft texture. Another method is to coat the meat in baking soda for about 20 to 30 minutes, rinse, and use in the recipe as directed.

What is the new blazing bourbon chicken? ›

Panda Express Launches New Blazing Bourbon Chicken

The limited-time menu item is a crispy chicken coated in sweet and spicy sauce, made with soy sauce, real bourbon, honey, garlic, and Hot Ones The Last Dab Apollo hot sauce (which is the hottest sauce on the show).

What is the name of the bourbon with chicken in it? ›

"Chicken co*ck Whiskey has returned, reclaiming its place among the great American whiskies." "Even as the brand changed hands, it held its appeal as a bourbon known far and wide for its premium flavor."

Does alcohol cook out of bourbon sauce? ›

“The longer the cooking time, the greater the cumulative evaporation.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), baked or simmered dishes that contain alcohol will retain 40% of the original amount after 15 minutes of cooking, 35% after 30 minutes and 25% after an hour.

Is there any alcohol in bourbon? ›

Bourbon must be distilled no higher than 160 proof, 80 percent alcohol-by-volume. Some whisky allows up to 90 percent alcohol-by-volume, but Bourbon does not. 160 proof Bourbon is as high as the proof can reach off the still.

Is bourbon 100% alcohol? ›

(It's basically impossible to hit 100 percent alcohol, so don't even go there.) Bourbon usually falls between 80 and 100 proof. Consider Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight at 90 proof, or the trio of luscious Daviess County bourbons, all bottled at 96 proof, or 48 percent alcohol.

Does alcohol cook out of chicken? ›

The science: Alcohol does partially evaporate during cooking, but not as much as you might think. Depending on the cooking method and how much alcohol is used, anywhere from 4 to 85 percent of the alcohol may remain. After 15 minutes of cooking, about 40 percent of the alcohol remains.

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