Description
Enjoy a delicious Bourbon Chicken made with tender chicken thighs in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. This easy-to-make dish pairs perfectly with rice, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to achieve a nice sear.
- Season the chicken with black pepper (and a pinch of salt if desired).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until the brown sugar is dissolved.
- Adjust the sauce’s sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, draining excess oil if necessary.
- Pour the bourbon sauce into the same skillet, bringing it to a simmer while scraping the bottom for flavor.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding water or chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Prepare rice according to package instructions.
- Spoon rice onto plates and top with bourbon chicken and sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the bourbon sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes