Name: Sticky Bourbon Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Chinese
Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 500g – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for staying tender through cooking.; Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons – Helps create that lightly crisp exterior and clingy sauce finish.; Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons – Used to brown the chicken.; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Adds sharp, aromatic depth.; Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated – Gives a little warmth and complexity.; Soy Sauce: ½ cup – The salty, umami base of the glaze.; Bourbon: ¼ cup – Adds smoky sweetness; the alcohol cooks off.; Brown Sugar: ⅔ cup – Balances the salt and builds that sticky caramelized glaze.; Chicken Broth: 1 cup – Thins the sauce while adding savory richness.; Apple Juice: ¼ cup – Optional, adds a fruity softness.; Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons – Brightens everything and cuts the sweetness.; Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon – Adds a whisper of heat.; Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted – For garnish and a bit of crunch.; Green Onions: 2, chopped – Brings freshness and color.; Steamed White Rice: for serving – The perfect partner to soak up the sauce.

Description

Sticky Bourbon Chicken is a sweet, savory, and satisfyingly sticky dish with juicy chicken pieces caramelized in a bourbon-glazed sauce served over steamed rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 500g – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for staying tender through cooking.
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons – Helps create that lightly crisp exterior and clingy sauce finish.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons – Used to brown the chicken.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Adds sharp, aromatic depth.
Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated – Gives a little warmth and complexity.
Soy Sauce: ½ cup – The salty, umami base of the glaze.
Bourbon: ¼ cup – Adds smoky sweetness; the alcohol cooks off.
Brown Sugar: ⅔ cup – Balances the salt and builds that sticky caramelized glaze.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup – Thins the sauce while adding savory richness.
Apple Juice: ¼ cup – Optional, adds a fruity softness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons – Brightens everything and cuts the sweetness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon – Adds a whisper of heat.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted – For garnish and a bit of crunch.
Green Onions: 2, chopped – Brings freshness and color.
Steamed White Rice: for serving – The perfect partner to soak up the sauce.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure your chicken is cut, dry, and ready.
Combine Ingredients: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, chicken broth, apple juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Ensure your skillet is hot and not overcrowded to allow proper browning.
Assemble the Dish: Add chicken in batches, browning each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Cook to Perfection: Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it reduce slightly for 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Add the chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat. Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through—about 5 more minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon over steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Brown the chicken well before adding to the sauce.
Reduce sauce gently—don’t crank the heat.
Use a splash of water and cornstarch if you want an extra glossy finish.
Leftovers? Stir into fried rice or wrap in lettuce cups.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: sticky bourbon chicken, bourbon glazed chicken, asian chicken recipe, easy skillet chicken, sweet and savory chicken