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Zesty Drunken Chicken Recipe

Looking for a zesty recipe that packs a flavorful punch? Try making this zesty drunken Chicken recipe, a dish that combines the bold ingredient flavors of onion, garlic, ginger and jalapenos for a burst of flavor!

Zesty drunken chicken with citrus.

Drunken Chicken Recipe

When the kids hollar, “its so good, I can’t quit eating it!” You know it’s right! This delicious zesty drunken chicken is flavored with a mouthwatering mixture of whiskey, apricot preserves, barbecue sauce and worcestershire sauce. You know that meat is sweet, tangy and spicy!

This is perfect for impressing guests at your next back yard barbecue or dinner party. Simply grill or bake this fantastic chicken until it’s tender and juicy.

Serve zesty drunken chicken up as a main course or slice it up for sandwiches, it’s sure to be irresistable to your friends and family , I know it is to mine!

You might also enjoy any of our barbecued chicken recipes like this cheerwine barbecue sauce or our apples and ale barbecue chicken.

zesty drunken chicken in white bowl.

Here’s What You’ll Need

  • Chicken
  • Herbs and Spices
  • Whiskey
  • Apricot Preserves
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Jalapenos.

Here’s How You Do It

  1. Saute the herbs and spices.
  2. Add the liquid ingredients.
  3. Nestle the chicken down in those to cook (or use those as a marinade and then grill the chicken).

Tips and Tricks

  • If you are concerned about the whiskey, just leave it off and add a touch of water or broth instead.
  • Browning the onions, peppers and ginger, gives those more flavor in the final dish.
  • If you want to grill this dish, simply heat all of the basic ingredients together and then use that as a marinade. Marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours and then grill. Do not use the leftover liquid to baste on the grill though.
  • Add slices of lemon or orange to the finished dish as a garnish.
  • Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 for safety.

PRO TIP: Either remove the chicken skin before putting into the oven OR crisp the skin under the broiler after removing from the oven and placing on a baking sheet.

zesty drunken chicken legs on slate.

Serving Suggestions

This zesty drunken chicken recipe is terrific spooned over some mashed potatoes allowing the sauce to create a gravy. We also enjoy this with green bean casserole or caprese salad appetizers!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store the leftovers for zesty drunken chicken, place in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 5 days. This dish freezes well in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place chicken on an oven safe dish and heat in the oven for 20 minutes.

Watch Me Make This Dish

Hey! Did you make this dish? I would love to see what you made and hear how you liked it! Find me on social media to share a photo, email me or just leave me a comment in the comment section below! I read all the comments and answer as quickly as I can. I LOVE To hear from you!

drunken chicken legs.

Zesty Drunken Chicken

A tangy sweet bourbon style chicken.  You will be so surprised that you were able to cook this delicious dish so quickly! 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: zesty drunken chicken, bourbon chicken
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 437kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbs. olive oil
  • 2 Tbs butter
  • ½ yellow onion chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbs ginger grated
  • 2 jalapeño peppers large dice
  • ¾ Cup Whiskey
  • ½ Cup apricot preserves
  • 1 Cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ – 1 Cup chicken broth
  • Pinch salt and pepper
  • 1 pieces chicken bone in

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300.
  • On medium heat on stove top in a dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter. When butter is melted, add the onion and cook till translucent. Add garlic, jalapeno and ginger and cook for 2 mins.
  • Add Whiskey all at once and cook until it is reduced by half.
  • Add apricot preserves, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce and ½ Cup Chicken Broth and heat through.
  • While heating, salt and pepper the chicken.
  • Add the chicken to the sauce and submerge completely into the sauce. If the sauce is not enough to cover, add the remaining chicken broth.
  • Cover the dutch oven and place in the oven to cook for 1 ½ hours.

Notes

  • If you are concerned about the whiskey, just leave it off and add a touch of water or broth instead.
  • Browning the onions, peppers and ginger, gives those more flavor in the final dish.
  • If you want to grill this dish, simply heat all of the basic ingredients together and then use that as a marinade. Marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours and then grill. Do not use the leftover liquid to baste on the grill though.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Zesty Drunken Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 437 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 16mg5%
Sodium 959mg40%
Potassium 280mg8%
Carbohydrates 52g17%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 38g42%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 401IU8%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 48mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

This post has been rewritten from the original that appeared here on October 28, 2014 and has been entirely updated to this newer layout.

A Verse to Share

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




moxie

Friday 2nd of February 2018

YUM!

Marcia

Sunday 13th of March 2016

What style of bbq sauce do you use with this recipe....sweet, smokey....???

Wendi Spraker

Sunday 13th of March 2016

Hi Marcia! Thanks for visiting! I generally use something like Sweet Baby Rays - so sweet. I think either would work just fine though - but not the vinegar based bbq sauce. Hope that helps! This IS a great dish - especially if you have a crowd to feed!

15585

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