Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, all made easily in your Instant Pot. This one-pot dish combines tender chicken with a rich, bourbon-infused sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s faster than picking up take-out, yet packed with restaurant-quality flavors.
If you love a hearty, flavorful chicken dish that doesn’t require a lot of prep or time, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s an ideal way to showcase how the Instant Pot can simplify even the most complex recipes into an easy and delicious meal.
Why Make Bourbon Chicken in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen, especially for dishes like Bourbon Chicken. Here’s why making Bourbon Chicken in the Instant Pot is such a good idea:
◉ Speed: You can make this flavorful dish in less than 30 minutes, even if you start with frozen chicken!
◉ One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
◉ Tender Chicken: The pressure cooking method guarantees perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time.
◉ Rich Sauce: The sauce in this dish is thickened with a cornstarch slurry to create a luscious, savory finish, without needing to watch it boil on the stove.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
To make this Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
Main Ingredients
◉ Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: For maximum flavor and tenderness, chicken thighs are ideal. They hold up well under pressure cooking and absorb the sauce beautifully.
◉ Apple Juice: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
◉ Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce’s flavor and provides enough liquid for pressure cooking.
◉ Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami depth. You can use regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your preference.
◉ Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives the sauce a mellow sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the soy sauce and bourbon.
◉ Honey: Adds another layer of sweetness, making the sauce velvety.
◉ Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for that sharp, aromatic flavor that makes this dish stand out.
◉ Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a rich, glossy texture.
◉ Green Onions: For garnish, adding color and a fresh crunch to contrast the rich sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
Making Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is easy and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this savory dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Add the following ingredients into the Instant Pot:
Apple juice
Chicken broth
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Honey
Garlic
Ginger
Use a whisk to combine all the ingredients well.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are coated in the sauce mixture. No need to stir—just let the chicken rest on top of the sauce.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook (High). Cook for 12 minutes for fresh chicken, or 15 minutes for frozen chicken. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 5-minute natural release before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Make the Slurry
While the chicken cooks, prepare the cornstarch slurry. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Set it aside for thickening the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the pressure is released, remove the chicken from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, and gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken in the thickened sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Tips for Success
Frozen Chicken: You can make this recipe with frozen chicken, which saves time when you’re in a pinch. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time, and you’re good to go.
Cornstarch Slurry: The slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce. Make sure it’s fully combined before adding it to the pot to avoid lumps.
Soy Sauce Substitute: If you’re out of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce is a great alternative. It adds a touch more sweetness and depth, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar.
Bourbon Swap: If you prefer not to use bourbon, apple juice or white wine can be used as a replacement. However, the depth of flavor from bourbon is unique, so it’s worth trying the original version.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs perfectly with simple side dishes that complement its rich sauce. Here are some of the best options:
◉ Rice: Steamed white rice or Cilantro Lime Rice makes the perfect base for this flavorful dish.
◉ Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious sauce and make for a comforting side.
◉ Vegetables: Try serving with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad for added crunch and freshness.
What to Make with Leftovers
Leftover Bourbon Chicken can be used for a variety of meals throughout the week. Here are some ideas:
◉ Chicken Tacos: Use the leftover chicken in soft tortillas with some fresh toppings.
◉ Chicken Salad: Dice up the leftover chicken and toss it in a green salad for a light meal.
◉ Stir-Fry: Stir-fry the leftover bourbon chicken with your favorite veggies for a quick, easy meal.
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Variations
One of the best things about Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is how easily it can be adapted. Whether you’re looking to experiment with different flavors, adjust the level of sweetness, or add more vegetables, this recipe is versatile enough to suit various preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Bourbon Chicken with Vegetables
Add in carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for a more well-rounded meal. Simply place the vegetables on top of the chicken before pressure cooking. The pressure cooking will cook them to perfection without compromising flavor.
If you prefer your vegetables a bit firmer, consider sautéing them separately and adding them at the end, along with the chicken, when thickening the sauce.
2. Bourbon Chicken with Pineapple
For a sweet and tangy twist, try adding chunks of pineapple to the Instant Pot before cooking. Pineapple pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the bourbon sauce, giving the dish a tropical flair.
Simply add 1 cup of diced pineapple and cook with the rest of the ingredients for a unique, fruity flavor.
3. Spicy Bourbon Chicken
If you love a little heat, elevate this recipe by adding more red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce. You can also try incorporating a finely chopped jalapeño or sriracha to create a spicy-sweet fusion.
Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar slightly to balance the heat.
4. Gluten-Free Bourbon Chicken
For those following a gluten-free diet, swap the soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative). The flavor will be almost identical, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious bourbon chicken without the gluten.
You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for a milder flavor.
5. Bourbon Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce
If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use teriyaki sauce as a substitute. This will add a bit more sweetness and depth to the sauce.
When using teriyaki, you may want to reduce the amount of brown sugar since teriyaki sauce already contains sugar.
How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken is a great make-ahead meal. Whether you’re preparing it for meal prep, leftovers, or future use, here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Bourbon Chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. If you’re storing the chicken with the sauce, the texture and flavor will hold up well when reheated.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Reheat in the microwave by placing the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small splash of water or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat. Add a bit of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much, and stir occasionally until warmed through.
Tip: If reheating from frozen, it’s best to defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for even heating.
FAQs on Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
1. What’s the difference between teriyaki and bourbon chicken?
Teriyaki chicken and bourbon chicken both feature a sweet and savory glaze, but the key difference lies in their flavor profile:
Teriyaki chicken uses soy sauce, sugar, and a variety of seasonings like ginger and garlic to create a sweeter, slightly tangy sauce with an Asian influence.
Bourbon chicken incorporates bourbon whiskey, which adds a rich, smoky depth and a slightly stronger flavor. The sauce is sweeter but has more complexity due to the alcohol content, which evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a deep, caramelized taste.
2. What makes the chicken chewy in the Instant Pot?
If your chicken turns out chewy when cooked in the Instant Pot, it could be due to:
Overcooking: Pressure cooking for too long can cause the chicken’s proteins to tighten up, leading to a tough texture.
Not enough liquid: The Instant Pot relies on steam to cook the food, so if there’s not enough liquid, the chicken may not cook evenly and could become dry and chewy. Make sure you use enough liquid for proper steaming.
Type of chicken: Chicken breasts can be more prone to becoming dry and chewy in the Instant Pot compared to chicken thighs, which have more fat and retain moisture better during cooking.
3. Why is it called bourbon chicken?
The name bourbon chicken comes from the key ingredient in the sauce: bourbon whiskey. The dish is believed to be inspired by the flavor profile of bourbon, which is a type of American whiskey. Though the alcohol evaporates during cooking, the rich, caramelized flavors remain, giving the dish its unique taste. The name likely also refers to the dish’s origin in New Orleans, an area known for its use of bourbon in cooking.
4. What are the ingredients in bourbon chicken?
The basic ingredients for bourbon chicken include:
Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
Bourbon Whiskey: Adds rich, smoky flavor (though you can substitute it with apple juice or broth if you prefer no alcohol).
Soy Sauce: For a savory, umami depth.
Brown Sugar: To balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and provide sweetness.
Honey: Adds additional sweetness and richness.
Garlic and Ginger: Essential for flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
Broth or Apple Juice: Acts as the cooking liquid and helps tenderize the chicken.
5. Can I make bourbon chicken without alcohol?
Yes! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute bourbon whiskey with apple juice or apple cider for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. You can also use chicken broth or white wine for a lighter taste. The key is to retain the sweetness and depth, which these substitutes can provide without the alcohol.
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
½ cup apple juice
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
4 cloves garlic, pressed
½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the apple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger to the Instant Pot. Use a whisk to combine them well.
Add the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the pot, ensuring they’re well-coated in the sauce.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (High) for 12 minutes (fresh chicken). For frozen chicken, cook for 15 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Make the Cornstarch Slurry: While the chicken is cooking, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Thicken the Sauce: After releasing the pressure, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, and slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Shred the Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the sauce in the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the chicken with the thickened sauce.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best due to their tender texture. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
Substitute for Bourbon: If you prefer not to use bourbon, apple juice or chicken broth are great alternatives for the sauce.
Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to whisk the slurry into the sauce slowly to avoid clumping. You can also use arrowroot powder if you need a gluten-free thickening option.
Adding Vegetables: If you’d like, you can add vegetables like carrots or broccoli to this dish. Add them along with the chicken, and they will cook perfectly in the pressure cooker.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 355 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 112 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Potassium | 330 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Vitamin A | 298 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 55 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Method: Instant Pot (Pressure Cook)
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
