Sticky Bourbon Chicken Recipe – Easy Sweet & Savory Dinner

Name: Sticky Bourbon Chicken Recipe – Easy Sweet & Savory Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (~700g); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ¼ cup bourbon (60ml); ⅓ cup brown sugar (65g); ¼ cup soy sauce (60ml); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup water (60ml); Green onions (optional, for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Posted on December 11, 2025

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Let me tell you a little secret: the first time I made sticky bourbon chicken, I didn’t expect much. I was just trying to use up a bottle of bourbon leftover from a cocktail party and avoid another boring weeknight dinner. But oh my goodness—this recipe turned out so good, it instantly became a family favorite. The sweet and savory sauce, the tender chicken, and that glossy, caramelized finish? Total game-changer.

Fast forward a few months, and I’ve made this dish more times than I can count. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for company but is ridiculously easy to pull off, even on a hectic Tuesday night. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, I need to gush for a second—this bourbon chicken checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner recipe. It’s fast, flavorful, and has just the right balance of sweet and savory. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or ingredients. You’ll be done in 30 minutes, start to finish.
Sweet and Savory Sauce: The bourbon melts into the brown sugar and soy sauce, creating a sticky glaze that’s *chef’s kiss* good.
Kid-Friendly: Despite the bourbon, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich and complex flavor that even picky eaters love.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. It works with pretty much anything!

Honestly, this recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll feel like a kitchen genius every time you make it.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple and straightforward. Most of this stuff might already be in your pantry or fridge.

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds / ~700g): I like thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): This helps get that crispy, golden crust.
Oil for frying (2 tablespoons): I use vegetable oil, but canola or avocado oil works too.

For the Sauce:

Bourbon (¼ cup / 60ml): Adds depth and richness. No need for anything fancy—use what you’ve got.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup / 65g): The base of the sticky sweetness.
Soy sauce (¼ cup / 60ml): Brings the savory, umami goodness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is key here for bold flavor.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Optional, but adds a nice zing.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness with a little tang.
Water (¼ cup / 60ml): Helps thin the sauce just enough.

Optional Garnishes:

Green onions: For a pop of color and freshness.
Sesame seeds: Adds a little crunch and visual flair.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup—just the basics will do.

Large skillet: Non-stick or cast iron both work great.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken easily.
Cutting board and knife: To prep the chicken and mince the garlic.
Measuring cups and spoons: Because this sauce deserves precision.

That’s it! You could probably make this with what you already have in your kitchen.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is super simple, but I’ll walk you through every step to make sure it turns out perfect.

Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps them get that crispy texture when fried.
Cook the Chicken (10 minutes): Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you might need to work in batches). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce (5 minutes): Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Toss the Chicken (5 minutes): Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce caramelize slightly.
Serve: Transfer the sticky bourbon chicken to a serving dish and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

That’s it! You’re done in about 30 minutes. Easy, right?

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s everything I’ve learned after making this recipe a dozen times:

Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s what gives the chicken that crispy coating.
Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic in a jar won’t have the same punchy flavor.
Simmer, don’t boil: When making the sauce, keep it at a gentle simmer. Boiling can make it too thick or burn the sugar.
Double the sauce: If you like extra sauce to drizzle over rice, just double the sauce ingredients. You won’t regret it.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. If you want it less sweet, add a splash more vinegar.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or seitan. Works beautifully!
Pineapple Twist: Toss in some pineapple chunks during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a tropical vibe.
Teriyaki Style: Swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar and add a splash of mirin for a more traditional teriyaki flavor.

Serving Ideas & Storage

How to Serve:

This sticky bourbon chicken pairs perfectly with:

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
Garlic noodles or soba noodles
Steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pro tip: Leftovers make an amazing lunch the next day!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	25g
Carbs	18g
Fat	16g

While this isn’t “health food,” it’s way better than takeout, and you’re in control of the ingredients. The chicken provides lean protein, and the sauce is made without preservatives or additives.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s easy, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser, sticky bourbon chicken is it. It’s got everything you want in a meal—flavor, texture, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s become one of those recipes we make on repeat, and I’m so excited to share it with you. If you whip this up, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

Q: Does the bourbon make this taste like alcohol?

A: No, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, smoky sweetness. Even kids love it!

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Q: I don’t have apple cider vinegar—what can I substitute?

A: White vinegar or lemon juice works in a pinch. Just use the same amount.

Q: Is there a non-alcoholic version?

A: You can swap the bourbon for chicken broth or apple juice. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

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