Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

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Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful dish that combines the sweet and spicy elements of bourbon sauce with the health benefits of broccoli. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty meal with a rich, complex sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken and Broccoli:
    • 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for chicken)
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
    • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Bourbon Sauce:
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 cup apple juice
    • 1/2 cup bourbon
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth
    • 2/3 cup soy sauce
    • 1/3 cup brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup ketchup
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan, and cook until golden and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Broccoli:
    • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the broccoli florets until they are bright green and crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
  4. Make the Bourbon Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Add the apple juice, bourbon, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
  5. Thicken the Sauce:
    • Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce:
    • Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the bourbon sauce. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is sticky and coating the chicken and broccoli evenly.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli offers a delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors that make it a standout dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and colorful presentation. Enjoy the rich taste and satisfying texture of this delicious meal any night of the week!