This sweet-and-tangy chicken dinner is fast and easy enough for a weeknight.

With ketchup, brown sugar, and honey, the dish packs a lot of sweetness.

But savory umami flavors of soy sauce and meaty chicken thighs balance things out.

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken on a plate to serve with the platter beside

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Bourbon infuses a subtle smokiness and warmth.

This dish is lick-your-plate goodyou’ll see.

What Is Bourbon Chicken?

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken ingredients

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It’s usually served over rice, but you could load up with sauteed veggies instead.

Where Did Bourbon Chicken Come From?

The origins of this dish are a little fuzzy.

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken on a platter to serve

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That’s why you’ll often see Bourbon chicken called “Cajun food.”

You probably have most of what you need right now:

Is there Bourbon in Bourbon chicken?

Here’s a brief outline.

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken tossing the chicken with cornstarch and seasonings

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You could also serve with vegetables, likeroasted broccoliorroasted carrots.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Reheat lightly on the stove with a splash of water to prevent burning or microwave until warm.

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken browning the chicken

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Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering.

Transfer to a plate.

Repeat process with remaining oil and chicken pieces, setting chicken aside after browning.

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken whisking together the sauce ingredients

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Pour sauce mixture into skillet, and bring to a boil over medium-high, about 1 minute.

Whisk together 1 1/2 teaspoons water and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl.

Sprinkle evenly with scallions; serve over rice.

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken sauce simmering with chicken

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Southern Living Bourbon Chicken combining the remaining cornstarch and water

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken finishing the sauce with the cornstarch mixture added

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken on a platter to serve, garnished with scallions

Credit:Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster