Chinese Bourbon Chicken and Rice

January 9, 2026

Chinese Bourbon Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish inspired by the popular takeout classic, blending tender chicken with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. The dish draws on Chinese-American cuisine, where bold sauces, balanced flavors, and simple preparation transform everyday ingredients into crowd-pleasing meals. Paired with fluffy rice, it’s a complete, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

In this recipe, bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed or stir-fried until golden, then coated in a rich bourbon-infused sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of rice vinegar. The sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, clinging to each piece of chicken and creating a glossy, flavorful coating. Served over steamed white or brown rice, the dish is finished with green onions or sesame seeds to add freshness, texture, and visual appeal.

Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, Chinese Bourbon Chicken and Rice is both quick and satisfying. Its combination of tender chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and hearty rice makes it a comforting favorite that pleases both kids and adults. This recipe shows how simple ingredients and a well-balanced sauce can turn an everyday chicken dish into a flavorful, restaurant-style meal at home.

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Bourbon Chicken

Chinese Bourbon Chicken and Rice

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Chinese Bourbon Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish inspired by the popular takeout classic, blending tender chicken with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. The dish draws on Chinese-American cuisine, where bold sauces, balanced flavors, and simple preparation transform everyday ingredients into crowd-pleasing meals. Paired with fluffy rice, it’s a complete, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

In this recipe, bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed or stir-fried until golden, then coated in a rich bourbon-infused sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of rice vinegar. The sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, clinging to each piece of chicken and creating a glossy, flavorful coating. Served over steamed white or brown rice, the dish is finished with green onions or sesame seeds to add freshness, texture, and visual appeal.

Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, Chinese Bourbon Chicken and Rice is both quick and satisfying. Its combination of tender chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and hearty rice makes it a comforting favorite that pleases both kids and adults. This recipe shows how simple ingredients and a well-balanced sauce can turn an everyday chicken dish into a flavorful, restaurant-style meal at home.

  • Total Time: 1½ hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup short grained white rice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. In bowl or saucepan, add 6 cups water and the ½ cup salt.  Brine the chicken for 45-60 minutes, which will make the chicken moister and more tender.
  2. Cook the rice with 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt
  3. Remove the chicken, rinse thoroughly and cut it up into bite-sized pieces about 1″ square.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
  5. Add chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned, tossing frequently.
  6. Remove chicken from the skillet into a bowl.
  7. Add remaining ingredients, heating over medium heat until well mixed and dissolved. Simmer for about 15.
  8. Add chicken and bring to a hard boil and cook for 5 more minutes
    1. Serve over the hot white rice.
  • Author: Recipe Maker
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Cuisine: Chinese Recipes

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