What Can I Use in Place of Bourbon for Bourbon Chicken? 9 Tasty Substitutes

A popular Chinese-American dish called “bourbon chicken” calls for chicken to be cooked in a sweet and sticky sauce that has bourbon whiskey in it. But not everyone has bourbon on hand or wants to use it in their cooking. Lucky for us, there are a lot of great alcohol-free alternatives that can taste just like bourbon in this dish.

Why Use a Bourbon Substitute?

Because of these things, you might not need to use bourbon in your bourbon chicken:

• You don’t have bourbon. A lot of people don’t keep hard liquor at home or don’t want to go out of their way to buy it just for cooking.

• Avoiding alcohol – Some people prefer to cook without alcohol for personal, religious or health reasons. Kids and those avoiding alcohol appreciate a booze-free version.

• Concerns about taste: If bourbon isn’t cooked long enough, it can taste like strong alcohol. Replacing it guarantees no boozy flavor.

• Expense – A good bourbon can be costly. Substitutes are often cheaper ingredients you already have on hand.

What Does Bourbon Add to Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon’s flavor profile brings some key characteristics to bourbon chicken

• Sweetness – Bourbon has notes of vanilla, caramel and oak that come through.

• Slight smokiness – You get a hint of char from the oak barrel aging process.

• Tanginess – Bourbons have a slightly acidic, tart quality.

• Richness – The alcohol adds a depth of flavor and richness.

The good news is you can mimic all of these with the right homemade bourbon substitute.

9 Tasty Bourbon Substitutes for Bourbon Chicken

Here are some excellent non-alcoholic ingredients to use in place of bourbon:

1. Apple Juice

Apple juice is a popular substitution for bourbon in cooking. It provides sweetness and tang, as well as richness from the fruit. Use it 1:1 in place of bourbon.

2. Chicken or Vegetable Stock

Chicken or veggie stock will mimic the savory, slightly smoky notes of bourbon. Use an equal amount of stock in place of bourbon.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Cider vinegar has tanginess similar to bourbon. Use 1 tablespoon per 1 ounce bourbon, adding more to taste.

4. Worchestershire Sauce

The tamarind in Worchestershire sauce gives tang and richness reminiscent of bourbon. Use about 1 tablespoon per ounce of bourbon.

5. Molasses

Sticky, bittersweet molasses provides rich, caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor. Use 1 tablespoon molasses per ounce bourbon.

6. Coffee

Coffee might sound odd, but it replicates bourbon’s slight bitterness and roasted flavor. Use 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules per ounce bourbon.

7. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds sweetness, richness and that oaky bourbon-like flavor. Use 1 teaspoon per ounce of bourbon.

8. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup brings velvety sweetness and caramel/vanilla notes similar to bourbon. Use equal amounts to bourbon.

9. Brown Sugar

Packed brown sugar has rich sweetness and molasses notes to mimic bourbon. Substitute 1:1 for bourbon.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

• Simmer the sauce long enough to achieve a syrupy consistency to concentrate flavors.

• Add aromatics like ginger and garlic which complement the sauce.

• Splash in a little cider or rice wine vinegar for added tang.

• Season well with soy sauce or salt to enrich flavor.

• Add a dash of liquid smoke for extra smokiness if desired.

• If the sauce is too sweet, counter with a little lemon or lime juice.

• For spiciness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

• Thicken the sauce nicely with cornstarch to help it coat the chicken.

• Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro or sesame seeds.

Sample Bourbon Chicken Substitute Recipes

Apple Juice Bourbon Chicken

• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄2 cup apple juice
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1⁄3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp minced ginger and garlic
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1-2 tbsp cornstarch

Whisk together sauce ingredients. Brown chicken thighs, then simmer in sauce 15 minutes until reduced. Thicken with cornstarch.

Molasses Bourbon Chicken

• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup chicken stock
• 3 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp minced garlic and ginger
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1-2 tbsp cornstarch

Combine sauce ingredients. Cook chicken until done, then add sauce and simmer 10 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can use a whiskey like Jack Daniels or Jim Beam. Whiskey has a similar flavor profile. Use the same amount as you would bourbon.

Does it matter which apple juice I use?

Not really. Plain, unsweetened apple juice works best to control sweetness. But even apple juice blends are fine.

Do I need to adjust cooking time if I don’t use bourbon?

No. You’ll follow the same cooking method and times. The sauce may reduce a bit faster without alcohol.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Mixing cornstarch with cold water then stirring it into the simmering sauce works perfectly to thicken it up.

Enjoy Delicious Bourbon Chicken Minus the Bourbon

With so many great substitutes, you can easily recreate the classic flavors of bourbon chicken without a drop of alcohol. Apple juice, chicken stock, molasses and vinegar are just a few ingredients that can mimic bourbon’s sweet and smoky notes. Adapt any bourbon chicken recipe to be family-friendly and booze-free using these handy tips and substitutes. Enjoy all of the sticky, finger-lickin’ flavor – hold the bourbon!