Description

This bourbon chicken recipe features a sticky sweet glaze that balances smoky bourbon with savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a quick, comforting dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (60 ml)
1/3 cup soy sauce (80 ml), low sodium preferred
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50 g)
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into roughly 1.5-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Lower heat to medium and pour the prepared glaze into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce starts thickening.
Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk slurry into simmering sauce. Stir constantly until glaze thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
Return browned chicken to the pan and toss gently to coat with glaze. Heat through for another 2 minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred sides.

Notes

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Stir constantly after adding cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly glaze, but the dish is not vegetarian due to chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 700
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3.5
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 1
Protein: 30

Keywords: bourbon chicken, sticky sweet glaze, easy dinner, quick recipe, chicken thighs, bourbon sauce, family dinner, comfort food