Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a delicious combination of tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory bourbon glaze, served with fresh, crisp broccoli. This popular dish, often found in food courts, is easy to make at home and packed with flavor. The bourbon sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness from brown sugar and honey, a little tang from apple cider vinegar, and the richness of bourbon. Paired with steamed broccoli, this dish makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli
• Recipe Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets

For the Bourbon Sauce

• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Bourbon Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, honey, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
5. Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it is well coated. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and coat the chicken.
6. Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli in a separate pot or microwave until tender but still bright green, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine and Serve: Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the chicken, tossing everything together until well combined. Serve hot over steamed rice if desired.

Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

• Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Deglaze the Pan: When adding the bourbon, use it to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from cooking the chicken. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey or brown sugar if needed.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some added heat.
• Bourbon Chicken with Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots along with the broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.
• Bourbon Chicken without Alcohol: If you prefer not to use bourbon, substitute with apple juice for a similar flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
A: Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor without alcohol.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it according to the package instructions before adding it to the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

• With Steamed Rice: Serve the bourbon chicken with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: Pair the chicken and broccoli with cooked noodles for a hearty stir-fry-style dish.
• With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home. The combination of tender chicken, rich bourbon glaze, and fresh broccoli makes for a delicious and balanced meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!