Kentucky Bourbon Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Oh-So-Good!

Craving that mall bourbon chicken? My Kentucky bourbon chicken is easy, delicious & ready in under an hour! Whole Food Crock Pot Meals friendly and oh-so-good! Get the recipe!

May 23, 2025
By Sandra.

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Alright, let's dive into something tasty! remember those mall bourbon chicken food court days? honestly, i used to love that stuff.

This bourbon chicken recipe brings back all those memories. but we're doing it better, yeah?

Kentucky Bourbon Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero

Ever wondered how to recreate that sweet and savory goodness at home? this bourbon chicken recipe is your answer! it is inspired by the flavors of your past but elevated.

The chicken gets bathed in a crazy delicious sauce.

This dish has a little bit of a backstory. many attribute its origins to a specific chinese restaurant in new york, but who really knows? it's quick, easy, and totally satisfying.

This recipe will give you 4 servings in just over an hour.

Kentucky Bourbon Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Oh-So-Good! Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
• 1 tsp (5 ml) grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
• Pour the bourbon sauce over the cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken (about 3-5 minutes).
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired). Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side. Enjoy this delicious bourbon chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Why You'll Obsess Over This Bourbon Chicken

It’s one of those recipe ideas crockpot that will blow your mind. think of a comforting hug in a bowl.

Plus, chicken is a fab source of protein! whip this up for a casual dinner party, a crock pot fall recipes meal, or even a cosy night in.

Seriously, it’s special. forget expensive take out, this is one of those inexpensive slow cooker meals that you can whip up at any time.

The Lineup: Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken Bliss

We're talkin' chicken thighs (the key to juiciness), bourbon (duh!), soy sauce, brown sugar, and a few other bits and bobs to make the magic happen.

You will need some cornstarch, ginger, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, vegetable oil, sesame seeds, and green onions. don't worry, it's all stuff you can easily find.

What a great opportunity to use the whole food crock pot meals .

On a side note, i was walking around my neighbourhood to find the ingredientes, when my neighbour's dog barked to me.

Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to make cracking bourbon chicken . Honestly, it’s easier than figuring out what to watch on Netflix.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Players: The Ingredients List

Okay, so here's the shopping list for your culinary masterpiece. don't be intimidated by the list; most of it's probably already in your cupboard.

We're aiming for that mall bourbon chicken vibe, but with a homemade touch.

• Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized bits. Top tip: Fresh, plump chicken is your best bet. Avoid anything that looks pale or smells funny, yeah?
• Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15 ml) for the marinade, ½ cup (120 ml) for the sauce. Go for a decent brand; it makes a difference .
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15 ml) for the marinade, 1 tbsp (15 ml) for the sauce. This helps thicken things up nicely .
• Ginger: 1 tsp (5 ml) grated for the marinade, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground for the sauce. Fresh ginger is always better, but ground will do in a pinch .
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced, for the marinade, ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) garlic powder for the sauce. Garlic powder is cheat but you could use fresh garlic .
• Bourbon Whiskey: ½ cup (120 ml) . It doesn't need to be the expensive stuff, just something decent that you'd happily sip. Don't use cooking bourbon!
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g) , packed. Light or dark, it's up to you, adds the sweetness .
• Apple Cider Vinegar: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Adds a bit of tang .
• Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Adds that lovely nutty flavour .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) (optional). If you like a bit of a kick .
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . For cooking, needs to be high heat .
• Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: For garnish, totally optional .

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Seasoning is where the magic happens, innit? We're after that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of fire.

• Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar : This is the backbone. Adjust to your taste!
• Ginger & Garlic : The aromatic heroes! Fresh ginger is always a winner.
• Sesame Oil : Adds that nutty depth. Don't skip it!
• Red Pepper Flakes : Feel free to swap this for a dash of chili sauce if you want more heat.
• Don't have apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar will do at a push .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make good bourbon chicken . It's a prime candidate for recipe ideas crockpot or even big crockpot meals , though it's quicker on the hob.

• Large Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
• Whisk: For the sauce.
• Large Skillet or Wok: For cooking. If you’re making it for one, a small frying pan will suffice as a crock pot meals for one .
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: You know, for measuring .
• Alternatively, if you wanna make this into one of your whole food crock pot meals or inexpensive slow cooker meals , then a slow cooker's your best bet .

That's it! nothing too scary, eh? now, let's get cooking this crockpot bourbon chicken easy recipe. my gran always said, "a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen".

Let’s get started. this recipe will be included in my crock pot fall recipes collection.

Alright, let's get stuck in! thinking about easy weeknight dinners? fancy something a bit naughty but oh-so-good ? then bourbon chicken is your new best mate.

Honestly, it's so easy, even i can't mess it up! this isn't just any old chicken recipe, mind you; we're talking proper comfort food with a bit of a kick.

Prep Like a Pro: Setting Up for Bourbon Chicken Bliss

First things first, the mise en place . sounds fancy, doesn't it? it just means getting everything ready before you start cooking.

Chop your 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. mince 1 clove of garlic and grate 1 tsp of ginger .

Then, measure out all your sauce ingredients. organisation is key, especially when you fancy the food court mall bourbon chicken and it needs to be ready quickly.

A cheeky tip i picked up is to prep the sauce before you start cooking the chicken. this will save you faffing about later when things get busy.

Safety-wise, always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. you know, the usual drill!

Getting Down to Business: The Bourbon Chicken Method

Ready to cook? Here we go:

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix the chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce , 1 tbsp cornstarch , ginger, and garlic. Bung it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Honestly, I sometimes leave it longer; the flavour gets even better!
2. Whisk the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey , 1/2 cup soy sauce , 1/2 cup brown sugar , 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar , 1 tbsp sesame oil , 1 tbsp cornstarch , 1/2 tsp ground ginger , 1/4 tsp garlic powder , and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you're feeling brave.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan. Add the chicken, don't overcrowd the pan! Cook until browned and the internal temperature hits 165° F/ 74° C.
4. Sauce it Up: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Takes about 3- 5 minutes.

Bourbon Chicken Pro Tips and Tricks

The quality of your bourbon matters! you don't need to break the bank, but a decent bourbon adds a lovely depth of flavour.

Big crockpot meals are also an option when cooking, although a pan is faster.

Warning : don't overcook the chicken. dry chicken is sad chicken. i find it works perfectly with some steamed rice.

If you are looking for some whole food crock pot meals this recipe might not be it, but it is surely tasty.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Kentucky Bourbon Chicken Game

Right, so you're about to tackle this amazing bourbon chicken recipe! before you dive in headfirst, let's run through a few notes and tips to make sure yours turns out absolutely banging.

Honestly, it’s easier than putting the kettle on for a cuppa.

Ace Serving Ideas For Your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Easy Meal

Fancy plating? absolutely! pile your bourbon chicken high on a bed of fluffy rice. sprinkle with sesame seeds. ta-dah! instant restaurant vibes.

For sides, think simple. steamed broccoli or even some lightly stir-fried greens work a treat. a crisp beer would go down nicely too.

It's even better if you have recipe ideas crockpot meals. this goes well with crock pot meals for one , so you could save it for later!

Storage Secrets: Keep Your Bourbon Chicken Fresh as a Daisy

Got leftovers? lucky you! pop them in an airtight container and they'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .

For longer storage, freezing is an option. make sure it's properly cooled first. when reheating, a microwave works fine, but a quick sizzle in a pan keeps that lovely texture.

These inexpensive slow cooker meals are great for saving money. if you like this, try some whole food crock pot meals .

Variations on a Theme

Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this bad boy! For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Easy peasy. If you are planning a Big Crockpot Meals , you might want to double up the ingredients, but not the bourbon, ok?

Want to capture the spirit of Crock Pot Fall Recipes ? Add a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of apple cider to your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Easy recipe.

Simplified Nutrition

Okay, let's keep it real. This ain't exactly health food. It's got calories. But, it's also got protein from the chicken, which is good for muscle building. Remember, everything in moderation!

Mall Bourbon Chicken Food Court has nothing on this! Trust me, you'll be whipping up this at home instead of lining up there!

Look, cooking should be fun, right? Don't stress if it doesn't turn out perfect the first time. Just keep practicing, and you'll be serving up Crock Pot Ideas Dinners worthy of a Michelin star in no time!