$10 Bourbon Chicken (Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe)

$10 Bourbon Chicken (Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe) is a easy American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Just Lexx on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 54 min

Cost: $20.48 total, $5.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed, patted dry)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp All‑Purpose Flour (light coating for a slight crust)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
  • 1 tsp Roasted Garlic Paste (a small drop; can use jarred or homemade)
  • 0.5 cup Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 0.5 cup Hoisin Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Bourbon Whiskey (use a budget brand)
  • 2 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Extra Dark Brown Sugar (optional) (add for extra sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken

    Pat the chicken thighs dry, then sprinkle both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, and the tablespoon of all‑purpose flour. Toss to coat evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Preheat the Griddle

    Place the griddle or large skillet over medium‑high heat and let it heat for about 2 minutes until a drop of water sizzles.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Sear the Chicken

    Add the seasoned thighs to the hot griddle. Cook for about 7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 7 minutes, or until both sides are nicely charred.

    Time: PT14M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Rest and Slice

    Transfer the chicken to a plate, let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite‑size strips.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Garlic‑Butter Base

    In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic paste (about one drop) and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Build the Sauce

    Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, bourbon, dark brown sugar, ground ginger, and optional extra brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce

    Add the sliced chicken back into the saucepan. Reduce heat to low‑medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Serve

    Transfer the bourbon chicken to a serving plate. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains alcohol, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Soy, Wheat (flour), Dairy (butter), Alcohol

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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$10 Bourbon Chicken (Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe)

Recipe by Just Lexx

A quick, budget‑friendly version of classic Bourbon Chicken made with seasoned chicken thighs, a sweet‑savory sauce, and a splash of bourbon. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for a nostalgic dinner that tastes like a mall food‑court favorite.

EasyAmerican ChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.48
Total cost
$5.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a good char on the chicken thighs during searing.
  • Simmering the sauce with the chicken long enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot griddle/skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Bourbon is flammable; do not ignite the sauce.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Bourbon Chicken in American Chinese cuisine?

A

Bourbon Chicken originated in American Chinese take‑out restaurants in the 1980s, blending sweet‑savory Chinese sauces with the American love for bourbon. It became a staple of mall food courts and family‑style diners, representing a fusion of Southern U.S. flavors with traditional Chinese stir‑fry techniques.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Bourbon Chicken in American Chinese cuisine?

A

Some regions add pineapple or bell peppers for extra sweetness and color, while others use a thicker hoisin‑based glaze or substitute bourbon with rum. In the Pacific Northwest, a touch of maple syrup is common, reflecting local flavor preferences.

cultural
Q

How is Bourbon Chicken traditionally served in American Chinese restaurants?

A

It is typically served over steamed white rice or alongside chow‑mein noodles, often garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. The dish is presented hot, with the glossy sauce coating each piece of chicken.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Bourbon Chicken associated with in American Chinese culture?

A

Bourbon Chicken is a popular choice for casual family gatherings, birthday parties, and especially for quick meals at school or work cafeterias. Its sweet‑savory profile makes it a crowd‑pleaser at potlucks and community events.

cultural
Q

What makes Bourbon Chicken special or unique in American Chinese cuisine?

A

The dish uniquely combines the deep, caramelized flavor of bourbon with classic Chinese sauces like soy and hoisin, creating a sweet‑savory glaze that is both familiar and distinctively American.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Bourbon Chicken at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and not allowing the sauce to simmer long enough, resulting in a thin glaze. Also, adding too much bourbon can make the sauce bitter; use the measured amount and let it reduce.

technical
Q

Why does this Bourbon Chicken recipe use a hot griddle for searing instead of baking the chicken?

A

Searing on a hot griddle creates a quick char and caramelization that baking cannot achieve, locking in juices and giving the dish its signature smoky flavor before the sauce is added.

technical
Q

Can I make Bourbon Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to the simmering stage and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Cooked chicken can be stored separately and combined with the reheated sauce just before serving. Reheat gently to avoid over‑cooking the meat.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Just Lexx specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Just Lexx focuses on budget‑friendly, comfort‑food recipes that recreate classic American and Asian‑American dishes with simple techniques and affordable ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Just Lexx's approach to American Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Just Lexx emphasizes cost‑effective versions of popular dishes, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet twists or elaborate presentations. The channel’s style is straightforward, fast‑paced, and aimed at home cooks on a budget.

channel

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