This Bourbon Chicken is tender, moist, and full of flavor and so simple to prepare! I’ve been testing this recipe for 20 years exactly now, and it was time for a refresher on this recipe! It is my new fav thing!
One of the things that we absolutely love is that it’s so easy to spice it up or take it down a few notches depending on who you will be sharing your meal with.
There was a great bourbon chicken, hold your breath, at the Washington Square Mall when I was in high school. I know, mall food. Can you even believe that I said that?! It’s completely ridiculous, and if I went back I’d probably be a bit disappointed now that my palate has evolved. Or, at least I hope that it has! And this sauce isn’t exactly like the one from the mall, it’s even better!
And I won’t even tell you about Hot Dog on a Stick. Or should I say…the cheese on a stick. I know, I know, it’s ridiculous. That one I’m still tempted to make a homemade version though…
Ingredients Needed for Bourbon Chicken
This chicken is sweet and sticky and made with tender and flavorful chicken thighs. You start by browning the chicken on the stove top with a simple dry rub and then it finishes cooking in the oven in the sauce. Here is what you will need:
Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – boneless and skinless thighs, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer
- Salt – adds flavor
- Garlic Powder – adds flavor
- Onion Powder – adds flavor
- Pepper – chicken should just always be seasoned with salt and pepper
- Olive Oil – gives the chicken a good sear and keeps it from sticking to the pan
Sauce
- Garlic Powder – paired with the ginger, it is that essential Chinese food flavor combo
- Ground Ginger – it’s very fine and blends into the sauce beautifully
- Apple Cider – adds richness, tang and a fruitiness
- Water – thins out the sauce some
- Brown Sugar – adds the perfect sweetness to the sauce
- Rice Vinegar – gives the sauce a nice tang
- Soy Sauc