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Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky—this Bourbon Chicken is a restaurant favorite you can whip up at home in just 30 minutes! Serve it over rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup bourbon
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp ginger (grated)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
½ cup water.
Instructions for Bourbon Chicken
Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Then, pour in ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of bourbon, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
Add ½ cup of water to the skillet to help thin the sauce slightly. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
Simmer and Thicken:
Let the chicken and sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sauce to thicken and become sticky, coating the chicken beautifully.
Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of rice, drizzling any extra sauce on top.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy your homemade takeout delight!
This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to impress and satisfy, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation!
Bourbon Chicken is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, you can substitute the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or incorporating diced jalapeños into the sauce.
For a fruity twist, you can mix in some pineapple chunks or orange juice, which will complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and add a refreshing flavor.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to create a unique tang.
You can also enhance the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the cooking process, making it a more balanced meal.
With these variations, you can enjoy Bourbon Chicken in countless delicious ways!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes