Golden Corral Bourbon Chicken Recipe (Sweet, Savory & Easy)

Golden Corral’s bourbon chicken is one of the most talked-about dishes on their buffet line. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors that make it hard to stop eating after just one bite.

The chicken is juicy and tender, coated in a glossy sauce that’s both rich and comforting. Even though it’s called “bourbon chicken,” this recipe is not strongly alcoholic — the bourbon cooks down to leave a deep caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.

The best part? You can easily make this dish at home in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. This homemade version captures all the signature flavors of Golden Corral’s bourbon chicken — without needing a buffet visit.

What Makes Golden Corral’s Bourbon Chicken So Special

Golden Corral’s bourbon chicken stands out because of its balance of flavors. It’s not too sweet, not too salty, and not too spicy. Instead, it has that perfect middle ground that appeals to everyone — even kids.

Here’s why people love it so much:

Making it at home lets you control the sweetness, saltiness, and spice level, so it’s perfect every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients, so you won’t need anything fancy.

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice if you prefer alcohol-free)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Garnish (optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn them.

Then add soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Once the sauce starts to bubble, stir in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch + water). Continue to cook while stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency — about 2–3 minutes.

You’ll notice the sauce start to cling to the spoon; that’s when you know it’s ready.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir until all the pieces are evenly coated in the sauce.

Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend fully and the sauce caramelizes slightly on the chicken.

Taste and adjust — add more brown sugar for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or a touch of vinegar for tang.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once the sauce is thick and glossy, turn off the heat. Serve the bourbon chicken hot with white rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables. Sprinkle with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
• If you want to skip bourbon, apple juice or chicken broth works as a substitute.
• Cook over medium-high heat so the sauce caramelizes and develops deep flavor.
• Let the sauce reduce naturally — don’t rush this step, as it’s what gives that rich, sticky glaze.
• For meal prep, double the recipe. It reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for days.

How to Make It Without Alcohol

Many home cooks prefer a non-alcoholic version, and it’s just as delicious. Simply replace the bourbon with one of these options:

• Apple juice (adds mild sweetness)
• Apple cider (adds tang and depth)
• Chicken broth with a teaspoon of maple syrup (for balance)

You’ll still get that deep caramel-like flavor without using actual bourbon.

Variations You Can Try

Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of chili flakes for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Garlic Lovers’ Version

Double the garlic and add a small spoon of garlic chili paste to make it more savory.

Low-Sodium Version

Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut the brown sugar in half. The flavors will still shine.

Veggie-Packed Version

Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas before adding the sauce for a colorful, balanced meal.

How to Serve

Bourbon chicken goes well with almost anything, but here are some classic pairings that give you that Golden Corral buffet feeling:

• Steamed or fried rice
• Egg noodles or lo mein
• Mashed potatoes for a Southern twist
• Grilled vegetables or roasted broccoli
• A simple green salad for contrast

If you want it to look restaurant-style, serve it in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of extra sauce over the top.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and store for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Bourbon chicken tastes even better the next day because the sauce continues to soak into the meat overnight.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

This is an estimate based on standard ingredients. Values will vary depending on the brands you use.

FAQs

Expert Cooking Tip

If you want that true Golden Corral-style shine and flavor, let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes after mixing with the chicken. The sugars in the sauce caramelize slightly, giving you that deep golden-brown glaze you see on restaurant dishes.

Final Thoughts

Golden Corral’s bourbon chicken is a classic for a reason — it’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Making it at home is not only simple but also allows you to customize it to your taste.

You don’t need to be a chef or have a long list of ingredients to enjoy this dish. A few pantry staples, a hot skillet, and 30 minutes are all it takes to create that irresistible sweet and savory glaze everyone loves.

Serve it over rice, garnish with fresh onions, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor from your own kitchen. Once you try it, this bourbon chicken recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinners.