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Easy Sticky 20-Minute Bourbon Chicken

Easy Sticky Bourbon Chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy bourbon chicken recipe with a sweet, savory, and sticky sauce perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (120 ml)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (67 grams)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a pinch of salt and pepper to season evenly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Set aside.
  3. Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 teaspoon fresh ginger.
  4. Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  5. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden and caramelized on the underside. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until mostly cooked through.
  6. Push chicken to one side of the pan and add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and stir gently to coat. Bring to a simmer.
  8. Slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juiciness; do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Watch sauce closely when thickening to avoid lumps. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and arrowroot powder for cornstarch. For vegetarian, use firm tofu instead of chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon chicken, sticky chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, bourbon sauce, sweet and savory chicken

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-sticky-20-minute-bourbon-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/