Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Dinner Delight

Photo byAngie Bright

Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect dish when you’re craving a savory, slightly sweet dinner with a touch of warmth. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich bourbon-infused sauce that’s perfectly balanced with soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of garlic and ginger. Paired with steamed broccoli, it’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make. With just a few easy steps, you can recreate this takeout favorite right in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love Bourbon Chicken

The beauty of Bourbon Chicken lies in its flavorful sauce. The combination of bourbon and brown sugar creates a caramelized sweetness that is enhanced by the depth of soy sauce and the slight tang of apple cider vinegar. Ground ginger and garlic add a touch of warmth and spice, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes brings optional heat to the dish. The result is a glossy, rich sauce that clings to every piece of chicken, making each bite a delicious balance of sweet and savory.

Recipe: Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. This step helps the chicken achieve a nice, golden-brown exterior when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Bourbon Sauce:
   Using the same skillet, pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the simmering sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken thoroughly. The sauce should become rich and slightly glossy as it reduces.
5. Steam the Broccoli:
   While the chicken simmers, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green. This only takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
6. Serve:
   Serve the bourbon chicken over a bed of steamed rice, with the steamed broccoli on the side. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken and rice for extra flavor.

A Dinner That Feels Like a Treat

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the deep, satisfying flavors of a restaurant dish with the comfort of a homemade meal. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and fresh broccoli make it a balanced dinner that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this dish is a winner. Serve it up with steamed rice to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce, and enjoy a dinner that will have you coming back for seconds.

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