Name: 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup bourbon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 teaspoons water (for cornstarch slurry); red pepper flakes, to taste; salt and black pepper, to taste

5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe tastes sweet, sticky, a little smoky, and totally like mall food court nostalgia in the best way. It works perfectly for busy weeknights, beginners, or anyone who wants big flavor in about 25 minutes. I tested this on a Tuesday after a long grocery run and ate it straight from the skillet, so you know I feel strongly about it.

Why Make This 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe at Home

You control the sweetness, the salt, and the heat, so the sauce hits exactly how you like it. The chicken turns glossy and caramelized, and it tastes like takeout without the mystery ingredients or long wait.

You also save money and dirty only a few dishes. Cleanup stays simple, and the ingredient list stays short, so you can keep this 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe in your regular weeknight rotation.

“This 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe tastes better than our favorite mall version and comes together faster than delivery ★★★★★”

Ingredients You Need

Here is the simple ingredient lineup for this 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe:

Chicken thighs
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender bites.
- You can swap in chicken breast if you prefer, but watch the cook time so it does not dry out.
- Cut the chicken into small, even pieces so it cooks quickly and browns nicely.
Soy sauce
- Use regular soy sauce for the best depth of flavor.
- If you need lower sodium, choose low sodium soy sauce and taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
- Tamari works as a gluten free option.
Brown sugar
- Light brown sugar gives the sauce its signature sweetness and sticky texture.
- Dark brown sugar works too and adds a deeper molasses note.
- If you need a swap, mix white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses per cup.
Bourbon
- Use a mid range bourbon that you enjoy in cooking; no need for anything fancy.
- The alcohol cooks off as the sauce simmers, and the bourbon flavor turns warm and slightly smoky.
- If you avoid alcohol, use apple juice or apple cider with a splash of vanilla extract as a simple substitute.
Garlic
- Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce punch and keeps it from tasting flat.
- Use jarred minced garlic from the fridge as a pantry shortcut if you feel tired or rushed.
- Garlic powder works in a pinch; use about half the amount.

Optional but helpful pantry extras that still keep the spirit of a 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe:

Cornstarch: Mix with a little water to thicken the sauce faster.
Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch if you like a gentle kick.
Neutral oil: Use canola, avocado, or vegetable oil to sear the chicken.

Equipment List

You do not need fancy gear for this recipe:

Large skillet or sauté pan (nonstick or stainless steel)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl for mixing the sauce
Spatula or wooden spoon

Tips & Mistakes

Cut the chicken into even, bite sized pieces so it cooks at the same rate and browns instead of steams.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking so it sears and caramelizes instead of turning pale and watery.
Heat the pan before you add oil and chicken so the meat sizzles on contact and builds flavor.
Avoid crowding the pan; cook in two batches if needed so the chicken browns nicely.
Stir the sauce ingredients well before you pour them in so the sugar dissolves and does not clump.
Keep the heat at medium to medium high so the sauce thickens and turns glossy without burning.
Taste the sauce near the end and adjust with a splash of soy sauce for salt or a spoon of brown sugar for sweetness.
Do not walk away from the pan once the sauce starts to thicken, since it can go from perfect to scorched quickly.
Add a cornstarch slurry only if the sauce still looks thin after a few minutes of simmering.
Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a couple of minutes off the heat so it soaks up extra flavor.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into small, bite sized pieces, about 1 inch. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels so they brown well. Season lightly with salt and a little black pepper if you like.

Step 2: Mix the simple bourbon sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything looks smooth. Taste a tiny bit and adjust the sweetness or salt to your liking.

Step 3: Sear the chicken

Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook without moving it for 2 to 3 minutes so it develops color. Stir and continue to cook until the chicken turns golden on the outside and cooks through, about 5 to 7 minutes total.

Step 4: Add the sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken and stir to coat every piece. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, since those bits carry a lot of flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and thicken

Let the chicken and sauce simmer together, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 5 to 8 minutes. If the sauce still looks thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the pan. Cook another minute or two until the sauce clings to the chicken.

Step 6: Finish and rest

Turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes. This short rest helps the sauce settle and coat the chicken evenly. Taste one piece and adjust with a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra soy sauce if you want.

Variations I've Tried

I swapped the bourbon for apple cider and a splash of vanilla for a kid friendly version that still tasted rich and cozy. I also tried half soy sauce and half teriyaki sauce, which gave the 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe a slightly sweeter, more glazed flavor. I tossed in pineapple chunks once near the end of cooking, and the mix of tangy fruit and sticky chicken tasted like takeout on vacation.

I tested a spicy version with extra red pepper flakes and a drizzle of hot sauce, which worked great over plain rice. I also tried chicken breast instead of thighs and cut the cook time slightly, which kept the meat tender while still soaking in the sauce. I sprinkled sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top a few times, and that small garnish made the dish look restaurant ready.

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Serve this 5 Ingredient Bourbon Chicken Recipe over hot steamed rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice so the grains soak up the extra sauce. You can spoon it over cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. I like to add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple cucumber salad for crunch and freshness.

You can also tuck the bourbon chicken into lettuce wraps or tortillas for a fun handheld dinner. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top to finish the plate with color and texture.

How to store

Fridge: Cool the bourbon chicken to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating on the stove: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water until hot and saucy again.
Reheating in the microwave: Cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each round, until warmed through.