🍜 Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli
✨ Description
This dish features juicy chicken coated in a rich bourbon-inspired sauce with hints of garlic, soy, brown sugar, and ginger. Paired with fresh broccoli, it’s a perfect balance of comfort and freshness—great over rice or noodles.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, bite-sized
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple juice (or orange juice)
- 1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup water
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli
- In the same pan, add broccoli and water.
- Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the pan, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and chili flakes.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Everything
- Return chicken and broccoli to the pan.
- Toss well to coat in sauce. Cook another 2–3 minutes until glossy and sticky.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice
- Top with sesame seeds or green onions
- Add a side of stir-fried veggies for a complete meal
💡 Tips & Variations
- For authentic flavor, add 1–2 tbsp real bourbon (optional)
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a lighter sweetness
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch
❓ Q & A
Q: Does it taste strongly like alcohol?
No, the bourbon flavor is mild and mostly cooks off.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
Yes—use less sugar and low-sodium soy sauce.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! It stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Q: Can I skip bourbon completely?
Yes—it still tastes delicious without it.
