Core Bourbon Chicken
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Core Bourbon Chicken, a mouthwatering blend of tender, pan-seared chicken thighs coated in a rich, glossy sauce that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and smoky. Infused with a splash of bourbon whiskey, this recipe elevates classic takeout-style chicken into a gourmet experience, thanks to layers of flavor from fresh garlic, grated ginger, and a perfectly balanced glaze of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. With a simple 15-minute prep and a one-pan cooking method, this dish is both easy and impressive, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, and served over fluffy steamed rice, Core Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated fresh
- 0.25 cup Bourbon whiskey
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce, low sodium
- 0.25 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 0.33 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks Green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds, toasted for garnish
- 4 cups Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
Sprinkle the chicken with cornstarch and toss to coat lightly.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear them until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Work in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Carefully pour in the bourbon and simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol slightly, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Add the soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken well.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., more soy sauce for saltiness, more vinegar for tang).
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the bourbon chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the bourbon chicken hot over cooked rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
732 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.8 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 179 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 1175 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.5 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.5 g | ||
| Protein | 38.9 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 652 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
