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Easy Bourbon Chicken
Sofia

Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish made with tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze. It’s better than takeout and ready in 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Chinese
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup bourbon or apple juice for non-alcoholic version
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Method
 

Sear the Chicken:
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
  1. In the same skillet, add soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce:
  1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add to the sauce and stir until thickened (2–3 minutes).
Combine:
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
Serve:
  1. Serve hot over white rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • You can double the sauce if you prefer extra for rice or veggies.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.