Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors – A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats well.
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels and sweetness to your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Apple juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chicken broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Red pepper flakes
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with Cajun seasoning.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pan, sauté garlic, then add soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer.
- Combine – Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce until cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce – If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve – Garnish with green onions and serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicier version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sweeter option – Increase the brown sugar for a caramelized glaze.
- Alternative flavors – Swap apple juice for grape juice or pomegranate juice for a different taste.
- Vegetarian twist – Substitute tofu or mushrooms for chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
How spicy is Cajun Bourbon Chicken?
It has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust it by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.
Can I make this without the juice?
Yes, you can replace it with chicken broth for a less sweet version.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for a juicy and tender texture, but chicken breasts also work.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but you can also make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
What sides go well with Cajun Bourbon Chicken?
Serve with white rice, brown rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add cornstarch at the end to thicken.
What can I use instead of apple juice?
You can substitute it with grape juice, pomegranate juice, or even additional chicken broth.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Cajun Bourbon Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together bold Cajun spices and a rich, slightly sweet glaze. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this easy recipe will impress. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, homemade take on a restaurant favorite!
Cajun Bourbon Chicken
This Cajun Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, sweet, and spicy dish inspired by classic Louisiana cuisine. Made with tender chicken thighs, a rich bourbon-infused sauce, and bold Cajun seasoning, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. Serve it over rice for a restaurant-quality dish at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the bourbon, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to the sauce. Stir and let it thicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
