Hey there, my friend 
. Let me tell you, this sticky bourbon chicken with rice is a game-changer. It’s sweet, savory, and has that deep, rich flavor that makes you close your eyes and go, “Mmm.”
The secret? A perfect balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon that creates a glossy, finger-licking sauce. And the best part? You can make it in under 40 minutes. Let’s get cooking.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Saucepan (for rice)
- Serving plates
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $12 for the whole meal
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: 480 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
- Diets: Not suitable for VeganDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, or Halal Diet due to bourbon and soy sauce
How to Make Sticky Bourbon Chicken with Rice
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon (or apple juice as a substitute)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | Apple juice or chicken broth |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari |
| Brown sugar | Maple syrup or honey |
| Apple cider vinegar | Rice vinegar or lemon juice |
| Cornstarch | All-purpose flour |
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour it into the skillet and stir well.
- Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Remove from heat and serve the bourbon chicken over freshly cooked white rice.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for extra flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate for extra flavor – If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use chicken thighs – They stay juicy and tender, unlike chicken breasts that can dry out.
- Substituting bourbon? – Apple juice works great, but chicken broth keeps it more savory.
- Double the sauce – If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, make 1.5x the sauce recipe.
- Leftovers? – Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
What to Serve with Sticky Bourbon Chicken with Rice
You can serve this with:
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- Roasted bell peppers
- Cucumber salad
- Garlic butter green beans
- A side of crispy spring rolls
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Use a shallow bowl or plate for the best presentation. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions adds a nice touch. If you want extra sauce, serve with a small bowl on the side for dipping.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, casual gatherings, or even meal prep. It’s easy to pack in a lunchbox and reheats well. If you’re hosting a party, serve it with chopsticks and some extra dipping sauce on the side.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving within 2 hours, keep it covered in a serving dish to stay warm.
- After 2 hours, refrigerate any leftovers to prevent spoilage.
Refrigeration
- Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers.
- The chicken will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
- Place cooled bourbon chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier. If you use them, marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking to keep them juicy.
What can I use instead of bourbon?
You can substitute apple juice, chicken broth, or even water with a little extra soy sauce for depth. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Sauté the chicken first, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Release the pressure, add the cornstarch slurry, and sauté again until thickened.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy at all. If you want some heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop and serve fresh over rice.
Meta Description
Sticky bourbon chicken with rice is a sweet, savory, and easy-to-make dish. This stovetop recipe is perfect for busy nights and takes just 35 minutes to make.