This scrumptious Bourbon Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot, making it a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftovers and odd bits lurking in there!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bourbon Chicken
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 1/2 Cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Bourbon
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now, let me guide you through the steps to make this delectable Bourbon Chicken that’ll become your go-to recipe for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. The smell? Absolutely heavenly!
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the marinade. Let it soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes. You can even let it marinate in the fridge overnight if you’re planning ahead. More flavor is always better, right?
Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the marinated chicken, reserving the marinade for later.
Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want it to be beautifully golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Yum!
Add the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Pro tip: Don’t forget to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet, that’s where the best flavors are!
Serve: Serve this flavorful Bourbon Chicken hot over steamed rice or with your favorite veggies. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Your family will be impressed!

Why I Love This Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Honestly? This is my go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still want to put a wholesome meal on the table. The best part is that it’s comforting and packed with tons of flavor, making it a family favorite any time of year. I’m a real sucker for dishes where you can toss everything in, let it simmer, and just savor the aroma wafting through the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
And what I love most? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand! If you have some leftover veggies, toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Instant dinner win!
If you loved this Bourbon Chicken, be sure to check out my Homemade KFC Style Crispy Chicken, my Filipino Chicken Asado, or my Quick Bangers and Mash!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Bourbon Chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll find yourself whipping it up on busy weeknights, and trust me, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup is required because everything cooks in just one pot. You get a fantastic meal without the hassle of tons of dishes!
Customizable
Love heat? Throw in some chili flakes! Want to sneak in extra veggies? Peppers or broccoli would be delightful! This recipe is adaptable to your family’s tastes, making it perfect for everyone.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this chicken dish brings that cozy, down-home comfort that everyone loves. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home, what more could you ask for?
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Bourbon Chicken
This dish tastes amazing served over white or brown rice, it soaks up the sauce beautifully! You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or even caramelized onions if you want some extra pizzazz!
Storage
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce while reheating.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This Bourbon Chicken is freezer-friendly. Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon Chicken is such a joy to make! I mean, what’s better than dinner coming together in just 30 minutes? Talk about a busy family win! Whether you’re cooking it for your family or whipping it up for a friend, it’s bound to impress. Enjoy making this fantastic dish, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you!
Food is truly about bringing people together, right? So go on, gather your loved ones around the table and dig into this amazing meal!
So there you go! A lovingly crafted, quick and easy Bourbon Chicken recipe perfect for your busy evenings, packed with flavor that your family will absolutely adore! Bon appétit! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, and minced garlic. Stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the marinade. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for better flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, reserving the marinade.
- Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through—about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Serve the Bourbon Chicken hot over steamed rice or with your favorite veggies, and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.