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:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
