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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
