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Easy Bourbon Chicken
Sofia

Easy Bourbon Chicken

Sweet, savory, and sticky — this Easy Bourbon Chicken is a takeout favorite made simple at home. Tender chicken bites coated in a glossy bourbon-infused sauce that’s perfect over rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger grated (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup bourbon or apple juice for non-alcoholic
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for slurry
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs are best for tenderness, but breasts work too.
  • For non-alcoholic version, use apple juice or broth in place of bourbon.
  • Leftovers keep well and make a great meal prep option.
  • Double the sauce for extra drizzle over veggies or rice.