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Sticky Sweet Bourbon Chicken is an irresistible dish that has captured the hearts and palates of many home cooks and food lovers alike. This delightful recipe boasts a perfect harmony of sweetness and savory flavors, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The allure of bourbon chicken lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity, allowing anyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs to whip it up with ease.

Sticky Sweet Bourbon Chicken

Discover the joy of cooking with this Sticky Sweet Bourbon Chicken recipe that promises to be a hit for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This dish brings together tender chicken glazed in a rich, sticky sauce made from bourbon, soy sauce, and sweeteners. With its fusion of Southern and Asian flavors, it’s perfect served over rice or veggies. Enjoy comfort food that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor, making mealtime a delightful experience for everyone.
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup bourbon whiskey

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the mixture is well combined. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, stirring until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for best results, marinate overnight to deepen the flavors.

    Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, remove the chicken from the marinade (setting the marinade aside for later use). Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. It’s okay if the chicken is not cooked through at this stage. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to enhance the flavors. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering marinade, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

        Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it is well coated in the thickened sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has become sticky and adheres to the chicken, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and coated with the sticky sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Sticky Sweet Bourbon Chicken on a bed of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa for a wholesome meal. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add texture and a pop of color.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4