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Bourbon Chicken

A comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, perfect for any family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce This umami-packed staple adds depth to the flavor.
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar Offering a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
  • ¾ cup water Helps to create a luscious sauce.
  • ¼ cup orange juice The fresh juice brings brightness and a citrusy zing.
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon (Note: use an alcohol-free bourbon substitute or omit if desired.)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil Adds a nutty aroma and richness to the dish.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper A touch of heat to enhance the flavors.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, these are juicy and perfect for this recipe.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch This will help create a deliciously crispy texture for the chicken.
  • 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil For frying, add a touch of richness.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced, this aromatic ingredient enhances the savory profile.
  • 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger Adds a warm spice flavor that complements the dish.
  • 3 scallions Thinly sliced, with light and dark green parts separated for garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch combined with 1 tablespoon water Used to thicken the sauce.
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar A final touch that brightens the dish.

Method
 

Make the Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, light brown sugar, water, orange juice, alcohol-free bourbon substitute (or omit), sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful sauce that will envelop the chicken.
Prep the Chicken
  1. In another medium bowl, toss the pieces of chicken with the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Then, add about two tablespoons of the sauce mixture. Mix until the chicken is thoroughly coated, ensuring every piece is ready to absorb those delectable flavors.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes shimmering. Add the chicken all at once; it may seem very full, but do your best to spread the chicken into a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the chicken is deeply golden brown and cooked through.
Add Aromatics
  1. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the light green parts of the scallions. Cook while stirring constantly for about one minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Combine and Thicken
  1. Pour in the remaining sauce mixture and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and maintain a gentle boil for about five minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce. Then, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens, which should take about two minutes. Off the heat, stir in the rice vinegar and sprinkle with the dark green parts of the scallions.
Serve
  1. Enjoy your Bourbon Chicken served over fluffy white rice, allowing the sauce to blanket the grains and soak into every bite.

Notes

To enhance your Bourbon Chicken, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking. If you're a fan of spice, you may add some red pepper flakes when cooking for a fiery kick! For variations, feel free to substitute the chicken for diced tofu for a vegetarian version or try adding vegetables directly into the dish, such as carrots or bell peppers, for even more flavor.