Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of sticky—Honey Bourbon Chicken is a Southern comfort classic with a global twist. Inspired by the bold flavors of Cajun kitchens and Asian-American takeout, this dish balances rich umami depth with the caramelized warmth of honey and bourbon.
Whether served over steamed rice or tucked into a lettuce wrap, it brings a restaurant-quality experience to your home kitchen. This chicken pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides like Cucumber Salad and Greek Zucchini Salad.
The crisp, cool textures and bright acidity of these dishes contrast the deep, caramelized glaze of the chicken, creating a balanced plate. It’s a meal that takes inspiration from Southern kitchens and Mediterranean simplicity, offering the best of both worlds.
Mastering this recipe is all about technique—searing the chicken to lock in flavor, deglazing with bourbon for richness, and reducing the sauce to glossy perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder that turns a few pantry staples into something truly special.
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a weeknight favorite that feels like a weekend indulgence.
What Makes This Recipe Special!
- A Flavor Journey in Every Bite – The deep caramelization from the honey and bourbon brings to mind slow-cooked Southern BBQ, while the soy and garlic add a subtle Asian fusion twist. It’s the best of both worlds in one skillet.
- Balanced and Versatile Pairings – I love how this dish complements lighter, refreshing sides like Cucumber Salad and Greek Zucchini Salad. The contrast makes every bite feel fresh and exciting!
- Restaurant-Level Glaze, Zero Stress – The key is letting the sauce simmer and thicken naturally, creating that irresistible sticky coating. No cornstarch needed—just patience and the right heat.
- A Meal That Adapts to Your Lifestyle – Whether served over rice, in a wrap, or even as a protein-packed meal prep option, this dish fits into any routine. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Indulgent Yet Balanced – Despite its rich, glossy glaze, this dish stays relatively light when paired with fresh, veggie-based sides. It’s comfort food without the heaviness.
It’s the kind of recipe that tastes as good as it looks—deeply satisfying yet easy enough to make on a whim.
Honey Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Skillet
- Digital meat thermometer
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, this can be spicy – optional!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ lb chicken breasts, cubed, or chicken thighs
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- ¼ tsp salt
Honey Bourbon Sauce
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- ⅓ cup soy sauce, low sodium, or tamari
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ⅓ cup water plus 1½ Tbsp cornstarch
Optional Sides
- green beans or broccoli
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Instructions
- Start cooking the rice according to the package instructions and steam any desired vegetables.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with red pepper flakes and salt.
- Heat a greased skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken, cooking for 12-14 minutes.
- Halfway through, add the chopped onions and garlic.
- A digital meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken reaches 165°F, keeping it juicy.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the Honey Bourbon sauce in a medium bowl.
- Once the chicken is almost fully cooked, pour the sauce over it, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice with steamed green beans or any veggies of choice.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water before adding it to the pan.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 527kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 69g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 42g |
| Cholesterol | 109g |
Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for more heat. A teaspoon of gochujang or chili paste also adds a smoky depth.
- No Alcohol Version: Swap bourbon for apple juice, chicken broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar rich flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken, ensuring they are well-seasoned and pan-seared for a crispy texture.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free without compromising the umami flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
