Sweet and spicy bourbon chicken coats tender bite size chicken in a glossy sauce that balances brown sugar, soy, and red pepper.
Everything cooks in one skillet, and the sauce simmers until thick and sticky. About 30 minutes of cooking and a bed of hot rice turn it into a quick weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
Why This Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken Recipe Works
Browning the chicken first builds flavor in the pan, and removing it before the sauce goes in keeps the pieces from overcooking while the liquid reduces.
Brown sugar, apple juice, ketchup, and cider vinegar create a layered sweetness with a little tang, while soy sauce adds salt and savory depth.
Red pepper flakes and ginger bring gentle heat, and a splash of bourbon adds a warm oak note that cooks down into the glaze.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup apple juice, or unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp bourbon, optional
- 4 cups cooked white rice for serving
Boneless chicken breasts. Cut the pieces to the same size so they brown evenly and stay juicy in the sauce.
Apple juice. It adds fruity sweetness and keeps the sauce loose as it reduces, and unsweetened applesauce also works.
Brown sugar and ketchup. Together they provide caramel sweetness and a hint of acidity, thickening the sauce into a glaze.
Soy sauce. Low sodium soy sauce gives savory depth without making the glaze too salty.
Bourbon. A small amount adds warmth and is completely optional if you prefer to leave out alcohol.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken
1. Brown the chicken Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium low heat, add the chicken, and cook until lightly browned.
2. Set the chicken aside Remove the chicken to a plate once browned, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Build the sauce Add the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and bourbon, and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Return the chicken Add the chicken back and bring the sauce to a hard boil.
5. Simmer to thicken Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
6. Prepare rice Cook white rice according to the package directions while the chicken simmers.
7. Serve Spoon the chicken and sauce over hot rice.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken
Serve the chicken over hot white rice so the sticky sauce soaks in. Add air fryer broccoli with Parmesan or air fryer asparagus for a green side, and a cool creamy Asian cucumber salad offsets the heat. For a lighter base, try hoisin cauliflower fried rice instead of plain rice.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken
Cool the chicken, then refrigerate it with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until it reaches 165 degrees F, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Tips and Variations for Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken
Marinate briefly. Letting the chicken sit in some sauce for a few hours adds flavor, but never reuse raw marinade.
Adjust the heat. Add more red pepper flakes for spice or reduce them for a milder dish.
Make it alcohol free. Skip the bourbon and add a little extra apple juice instead.
Cut evenly. Uniform pieces cook at the same pace.
Thicken faster. Let the sauce bubble gently without a lid so it reduces.
Use thighs. Boneless thighs stay extra tender when cooked until 165 degrees F.
Add vegetables. Stir in broccoli florets or bell pepper near the end for color.
Cook chicken safely. Always bring leftovers to a safe temperature and see the Texas AgriLife Extension food safety guide for general tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken
What is sweet and spicy bourbon chicken?
It is bite size chicken simmered in a sticky sauce of brown sugar, soy, apple juice, and red pepper flakes, often finished with a splash of bourbon.
Does sweet and spicy bourbon chicken contain alcohol?
A small amount of bourbon is included, and most of it cooks off while the sauce simmers. Leave it out if you want to avoid alcohol completely.
Can I make sweet and spicy bourbon chicken ahead?
Yes. Cook it fully, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if the sauce is thick.
What can I use instead of apple juice?
Unsweetened applesauce works, as does a little extra water.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it uncovered a few minutes longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken with Rice
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cloves garlic crushed
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup apple juice or unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp bourbon optional
- 4 cup cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the chicken. Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium low heat until lightly browned, then remove it.
- Make the sauce. Add the garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, apple juice, sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and bourbon and heat until dissolved.
- Simmer. Return the chicken, boil hard briefly, then simmer 20 minutes until thick and the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve. Spoon over hot rice.
