Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Bourbon Chicken Skillet is a deliciously savory and sweet dish that comes together quickly on the stove. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful bourbon sauce make this meal perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (plus 1 tablespoon separate for sauce)
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or apple juice if omitting alcohol)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce.
6. Step 6: Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use apple juice instead of bourbon for a child-friendly or alcohol-free version without sacrificing flavor.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook as they can dry out.
• Leftover sauce works great as a dip or drizzled over steamed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Serve again with fresh rice and garnishes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or even bone-in pieces, but cooking times may vary. Thighs remain juicy and tender, so they are preferred.

What can I serve with bourbon chicken besides rice?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple green salad also complements the rich flavors nicely.

Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

This Bourbon Chicken Skillet recipe combines tender, bite-sized chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy bourbon-infused sauce. Pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a glossy sauce made with soy, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect served over steamed rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a deliciously flavorful meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating)

Sauce

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (or apple juice if omitting alcohol)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons water

To Serve

• Cooked rice
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a slight crust and thickens the sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon (or apple juice), hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the thickened sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated.
7. Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds as desired for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

• If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with apple juice for a similar sweetness without the alcohol.
• Using boneless skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy, but you can also use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat.
• Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce gradually to avoid lumps.
• Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar according to your taste.
• This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Keywords: Bourbon chicken, chicken skillet recipe, easy dinner recipe, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken recipe, Asian-inspired chicken