If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a reward at the end of a long week, bourbon chicken is it. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and ridiculously easy to pull together at home. Forget the food court version—this recipe packs in even more flavor without the mystery ingredients. Whether you serve it over rice or just grab a fork and dig in, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Trust me, one bite and this will be your new Friday night favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients in Bourbon Chicken
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1″ cubes, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (5ml), 2 tbsp soy sauce (30 ml), 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey (45ml), 1 tbsp honey (15 ml), 2 packets stevia (or 1 tbsp brown sugar), 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger (15g), 1 tsp cornstarch (3g), ½ cup chicken broth (120ml), 1 garlic clove, minced, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
Marinate the Chicken
Mix soy sauce, bourbon, honey, stevia, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade, then toss the chicken cubes with the rest. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
Prep the Sauce
Mix the reserved marinade with chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the marinated chicken (letting excess marinade drip off) for 2 minutes per side until golden, working in batches if needed.
Finish and Serve
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve with cauliflower rice or brown rice depending on your WW points.
Substitutions and Variations for Making Bourbon Chicken
For a lighter version of Bourbon Chicken, you can swap the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer not to use bourbon, substitute with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol. Brown sugar alternatives like Swerve or coconut sugar can be used to reduce points or avoid refined sugar. For extra veggies, toss in bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. This dish also works well with tofu for a meatless option.
Tips and Tricks Section for Making Bourbon Chicken
Marinating the chicken overnight really enhances the flavor—just pat it dry first so the marinade can cling better. Toasted sesame oil brings a rich depth, but regardless of the oil, make sure your pan is extremely hot to get that satisfying sear (test it with a small piece first). Always cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of browning. For an easy pairing, serve the chicken with crisp salads or roasted veggies. These small steps make a big difference in both taste and texture.
