Honey Bourbon Chicken

Sweet, sticky, and savory, this Honey Bourbon Chicken is a takeout-inspired favorite made easy at home. Juicy chicken is simmered in a rich sauce made from honey, soy, and a touch of heat—creating an irresistible glaze that clings to every bite. No bourbon? No problem—this recipe captures the classic flavor without the alcohol, making it perfect for family dinners or quick meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. It uses simple pantry staples to create a bold flavor profile that tastes like your favorite Chinese takeout—without the need for deep-frying. Ready in about 30 minutes and ideal for serving over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps, it’s an easy weeknight go-to you’ll crave again and again.

Honey Bourbon Chicken

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup honey

  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

(Tip: Full measurements and substitutions are found in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Onion & Garlic
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 2–3 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce
Add the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Calories: ~450 per serving

Variations

Use Thighs Instead: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier texture.
Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.
No Bourbon?: This version skips it, but you can add 1–2 tablespoons for a deeper flavor (just cook off the alcohol).

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can! Just simmer it in the sauce for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

4. What can I serve it with?
Steamed rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles all pair well.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! The flavors get even better after a day. Great for meal prep.

Conclusion

This Honey Bourbon Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and better than takeout. With its rich glaze and tender chicken pieces, it’s a versatile dish that the whole family will love. Whether you pair it with rice or tuck it into wraps, this one’s sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

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Honey Bourbon Chicken

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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
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Description

Sweet, sticky, and savory, this Honey Bourbon Chicken is a takeout-inspired favorite made easy at home. Juicy chicken is simmered in a rich sauce made from honey, soy, and a touch of heat—creating an irresistible glaze that clings to every bite. This version skips the bourbon, capturing all the flavor without the alcohol, making it perfect for family dinners or quick meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onion & Garlic: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 2–3 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha if desired.

Notes

  • Use Thighs Instead: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.
  • No Bourbon? This version skips it, but you can add 1–2 tablespoons for a deeper flavor (just cook off the alcohol).
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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