Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a savory-sweet dish that hits all the right notes with tender chicken thighs, a rich bourbon glaze, and steamed broccoli on the side. It’s a perfect mix of comfort food and takeout vibes, all made right at home! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to serve, this recipe will satisfy every craving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a deeply flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory with just a hint of heat.
• Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this is a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Balance: Paired with fresh, steamed broccoli and served over rice, it’s a wholesome meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For frying the chicken until golden brown.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps crisp up the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• ¼ cup bourbon: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the sauce.
• ½ cup soy sauce: Provides a salty umami base for the sauce.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with rich sweetness.
• ¼ cup ketchup: Adds tang and gives the sauce a beautiful color.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a bit of acidity to cut through the richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic savory flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: For a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Helps to thin the sauce while adding extra flavor.

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets: Steamed until tender, this makes the perfect side to soak up the sauce.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated for a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon Sauce

In the same skillet, without wiping it clean (you want all those tasty bits), add ¼ cup bourbon, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir everything together well and bring it to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, making sure each piece is well-coated with the bourbon sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the rich flavors.

Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out slightly.

Step 5: Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken is simmering, steam 2 cups of broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes. You can use a steamer or microwave for convenience.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is ready, serve the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of rice, with the steamed broccoli on the side. Drizzle extra bourbon sauce over the chicken and rice for maximum flavor!

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit more spice, feel free to add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap Chicken Thighs for Breasts: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken breasts can cook faster and dry out more easily.
• Deglaze with Bourbon: After removing the chicken, be sure to deglaze the skillet with bourbon, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the pan to add extra depth to the sauce.

Variations to Try

• Add Veggies: Want more veggies? Stir-fry some bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms alongside the chicken for a heartier dish.
• Substitute Bourbon: If you’re not keen on using bourbon, you can substitute with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

Serving Suggestions

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed white or brown rice. For a healthier option, try it with quinoa.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These crispy bites make a great appetizer or side dish to go along with the sweet-savory chicken.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: A light salad with a sesame-ginger dressing can balance out the richness of the chicken.

Storing and Reheating

• To Store: Leftover bourbon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a simple, flavorful dish that combines the richness of a bourbon-infused sauce with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got yourself a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings | Calories: ~400 kcal per serving