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Bourbon chicken served over white rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Bourbon Chicken Recipe

A sweet and savory skillet chicken dish made with a garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce glaze, inspired by the classic mall food court favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese-American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless , skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and black pepper , to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ cup apple juice
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar , packed
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon , optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • Sliced green onions , for garnish
  • Sesame seeds , for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, water, and bourbon. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  4. Whisk cornstarch and water together, then stir into the sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 3–4 minutes until fully cooked and coated in sauce.
  6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.