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bourbon street chicken

How to Make Perfect Bourbon Street Chicken: A Taste of New Orleans in Your Kitchen

Bourbon Street Chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by the vibrant Creole and Cajun cuisine of New Orleans. It features a sweet, savory, and tangy glaze made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and optionally bourbon whiskey. Chicken thighs or breasts are marinated, seared, and coated in this glossy sauce, then garnished with green onions.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, New Orleans
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts bone-in or boneless
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp bourbon optional; can substitute with apple juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Green onions chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • '1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp bourbon (or apple juice), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Add 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan.
  • Make the Glaze: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry. Add slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for color and fresh flavor. Serve with sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.'