Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken

Enjoy the rich flavors of Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken! This easy recipe features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and smoky bourbon sauce, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a juicy and crispy result, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.

I love a great bowl of crispy, diced chicken with a simple sauce that is really easy to make in the air fryer. My kids loved this, and although it has Bourbon in the sauce, most of the alcohol burns off as you cook it. If you are worried about the alcohol and serving it to minors, you can substitute the bourbon for apple juice.

Some other great and easy air fryer chicken recipes are AIR FRYER CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS, or AIR FRYER CHICKEN CORDON BLEU.

The Best Air-Fried Bourbon Chicken

If you could not guess, Bourbon chicken is named after the street in New Orleans and named after Bourbon Street. This chicken dish is served during Mardi Gras on the streets lining the parade. It has a great sweet but spicy taste to it.

While any Bourbon will work for this recipe, the best one to use for a traditional Mardi Gras Bourbon dish is Bulleit, but any bourbon will work in this recipe.

If you want an alternative to alcohol, substitute the bourbon out for apple juice. That way, the dish is family-friendly and, of course, kid-friendly.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture to the chicken and helps achieve a deliciously crispy exterior during cooking
• Bourbon: Infuses the dish with a rich, sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory depth and umami richness to the marinade,
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze on the chicken.
• Minced Garlic: Contributes a fragrant and zesty flavor, elevating the dish with its aromatic qualities.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a silky texture, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Water: A small amount of water is added to help dissolve the sugar and cornstarch, creating a smooth marinade for the chicken.
• Scallions: Serve as a vibrant garnish, adding a crisp texture and a hint of onion flavor to the finished dish.

How To Make Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken

Step One: Start by cutting the chicken into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Toss them with the cornstarch, Kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step Two: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Set the chicken into the air fryer basket and air fry for 10-15 minutes at 370 degrees F, air fryer setting. Shake the basket during the cooking process. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Step Three: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce to add the olive oil, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic into a saucepan. Over low-medium heat until the sauce starts to simmer. Note: Since you are heating up alcohol, be careful and watch the saucepan.

Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken Recipe Tips

• You can either use chicken breasts or diced chicken thighs.
• If you want an alcohol alternative, this dish can also be made with whisky or brandy.
• Most of the alcohol evaporates during cooking, but you can easily switch the Bourbon out for apple juice or apple cider.
• Mix some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the sauce if you want to add spice.
• Be careful to shake the basket several times during the cooking process.
• If you want a thicker sauce add a tablespoon of cornstarch and water for a cornstarch slurry.

Bourbon Chicken Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is bourbon necessary for this recipe? While bourbon adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

Can I freeze bourbon chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before air frying.

What can I serve with bourbon chicken? Bourbon chicken pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? You can reduce the amount of brown sugar to make it less sweet or add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make the dish gluten-free.

Equipment Used:

INSTANT VORTEX AIR FRYER 4 IN 1

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites
• Air Fryer Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
• Air Fryer BBQ Potato Chips
• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
• Air Fryer Aldi Meatless Meatballs
• Air Fryer Homemade Doritos Chips
• Southern Cheese Straws

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Pro Tips For The Best Bourbon Chicken Cooked In Air Fryer

• Marinate for Flavor: The marinade for bourbon chicken is key to the flavor. It’s best to allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, letting it marinate for several hours or overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
• Choose the Right Cut: While chicken breasts can be used, chicken thighs are typically preferred for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, and they hold up well to the high heat of the air fryer.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking.
• Check the Internal Temperature: The safest way to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked is to check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the Chicken Rest: Before serving, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more juicy and flavorful.
• Add Garnish: Sprinkle some sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top of your chicken before serving for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your personal preferences. If you like your chicken more or less sweet, spicy, or salty, adjust the quantities of ingredients in the sauce to match your taste.
• Make it Healthier: For a healthier version, you can cut down on the brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener. You can also add a side of steamed veggies to balance the meal.

Remember, the key to the best bourbon chicken is to make sure it’s cooked just right—not too dry and not undercooked. The air fryer makes this easy by providing even, high heat, but make sure to check the chicken to ensure it’s done to your liking.

FAQ’s

What type of chicken should I use for Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken?

Typically, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are used for Bourbon Chicken. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner.

Do I have to use bourbon in the recipe?

Despite its name, you can make Bourbon Chicken without bourbon. The alcohol in the bourbon does add depth to the flavor, but it can be substituted with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. However, don’t marinate for longer than 24 hours, or the texture of the chicken may become mushy.

How can I make my Bourbon Chicken more or less spicy?

Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes or a hot sauce like Sriracha to your marinade.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken pairs well with many side dishes. It’s traditionally served with white rice or fried rice. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or bok choy, also make excellent sides.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Bourbon Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure the chicken is cooled completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat leftover Bourbon Chicken?

Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.