If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with quick and easy preparation, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious, slightly sweet bourbon sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and garlic. Using the Instant Pot makes this classic restaurant favorite accessible at home without the wait, giving you a deep, satisfying flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of essential ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Each element plays a role in creating that perfect taste and texture—whether it’s the tender chicken thighs, the warmth of bourbon, or the subtle spice that makes your taste buds dance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juiciness and stay tender through pressure cooking, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a mild richness and helps create that first layer of flavor with browned chicken.
- Bourbon: The star ingredient that brings a distinctive sweet and smoky depth to the sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances bourbon’s sweetness with its salty, umami goodness, elevating the dish.
- Ketchup: Adds a subtle tomato undertone and a little extra tang to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce, giving it a beautiful glaze.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatics add zest and warmth, making the dish smell and taste irresistibly inviting.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Provide just a hint of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the flavors.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating that hugs every piece of chicken.
- Green onions: Tossed on top at the end to contribute freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and toss in the bite-sized chicken thighs. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the pieces develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and creates a richer base for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these fragrant aromatics for about 1 minute, just until they wake up and release their mouthwatering scent. This builds the foundation of flavor that’ll carry through the final dish.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine and make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot. This step not only melds the flavors but also deglazes the pot, picking up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop further, then carefully do a quick release to remove the remaining pressure.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Switch back to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Let the sauce cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, luscious coating that will cling perfectly to every chicken piece, making each bite that much better.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Now your Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is ready to be plated! Serve the chicken over freshly steamed rice and sprinkle on the sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are the simplest, yet cutest finish to this dish. Their mild onion flavor cuts through the rich sauce wonderfully. Feel free to add toasted sesame seeds for some crunch or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a hint of herbaceous brightness.
Side Dishes
This bourbon chicken is delicious paired with steaming jasmine or basmati rice which soaks up every drop of that flavorful sauce. For a vegetable side, try steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots for a pop of vibrant color and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Serve the vanilla-scented bourbon chicken inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held delight. Alternatively, pile it on top of fluffy mashed potatoes or even use it as a hearty filling in soft tacos for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
To store for longer, freeze the cooked bourbon chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely first to maintain the best texture and keep that delicious sauce intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps to restore the sauce’s luscious, silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender under pressure cooking. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice or a mixture of grape juice and a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness and depth.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all! The crushed red pepper flakes add only a mild warmth, which perfectly complements the sweet notes. You can always adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be mindful not to overfill your Instant Pot. Depending on your pot’s size, you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and proper pressure build-up.
How do I get the sauce thick if I’m not using cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour as alternatives. Just mix with cold water before adding to the pot and cook until thickened. Keep an eye on the sauce consistency and adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up any day of the week. The harmony of sweet bourbon sauce with tender chicken never fails to impress, turning a simple meal into something unforgettable. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients and your Instant Pot can create a dinner everyone will adore.
Print
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked in a rich, tangy bourbon sauce. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner. The pressure cooking method infuses deep flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and tender, complemented by a thickened sauce finished in the pot.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken thigh pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot with the chicken and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Pour in the bourbon, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and prevent sticking.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the sauce: Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Stir in the prepared cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the bourbon chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor; be sure not to skip it or substitute with a similar flavorful whisky.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
