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Jim Beam bourbon chicken recipe served over rice with sesame seeds and green onions
Vicky Sharma

Jim Beam Bourbon Chicken Recipe

A sweet, savory, and flavorful Jim Beam bourbon chicken recipe made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich bourbon soy glaze. This quick and easy bourbon chicken recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes better than takeout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bourbon Sauce
  • ¼ cup Jim Beam bourbon
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Thickening Slurry
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
    Cutting boneless chicken thighs for the Jim Beam bourbon chicken recipe
Step 2 – Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
    Searing chicken pieces in a skillet for the Jim Beam bourbon chicken recipe
Step 3 – Make the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together Jim Beam bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic.
Step 4 – Simmer the Chicken
  1. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5 – Thicken the Sauce
  1. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
    thickening bourbon chicken sauce with cornstarch slurry
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
  1. Turn off the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast and work best for this recipe
  • Do not overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of browning.
  • Simmer the sauce long enough so it thickens and develops flavor.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water while reheating.
Recipe Tips
For the best flavor, use Jim Beam bourbon because it adds mild caramel and vanilla notes that blend well with the sweet soy sauce glaze.
This dish tastes even better the next day because the sauce absorbs deeper into the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this quick and easy bourbon chicken recipe with:
  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Fried rice
  • Lo mein noodles
  • Stir-fried broccoli
  • Garlic green beans