Bourbon Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Lightened-Up

This lightened-up Bourbon Chicken brings the bold, craveable flavor of your favorite food court dish—without the heavy calories or guilt. Tender chicken is glazed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory bourbon-inspired sauce that’s made without extra oil, sugar, or unnecessary ingredients. It’s easy enough for weeknights and satisfying enough to keep your takeout cravings at bay.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Twist on a Takeout Favorite
Quick and Easy – On the table in under 30 minutes
Family-Friendly – Kid-approved with balanced sweetness
No Fancy Ingredients – Simple pantry staples do the work

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp olive oil (or cooking spray for an even lighter version)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional, or use apple juice for alcohol-free version)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute for lower carbs)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add oil or spray. Cook chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, whisk together soy sauce, water, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.

3. Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Combine
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Let simmer for another 2 minutes to absorb flavor.

5. Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 260
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 30g
Sugar: 8g
(Great for anyone watching points or macros—just adjust based on your goals.)

Tips for Success

• Use Thighs for Extra Flavor: Breasts are leaner, but thighs stay juicier if that’s your preference.
• Go Alcohol-Free: Apple juice gives you sweetness and depth without using bourbon.
• Serve Smart: Pair with steamed broccoli, rice, or quinoa—or go low-carb with riced cauliflower or stir-fried veggies.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is all about balance: sweet, salty, savory, and satisfying. It’s quick, simple, and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, it gives you the satisfaction of takeout with a healthier, homemade spin that fits seamlessly into any smart eating plan.

Bourbon Chicken doesn’t have to mean heavy or high-calorie. This version delivers big flavor in a lighter, cleaner way—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or just satisfying that comfort food craving without straying from your goals. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out.