Description
This Not So Boozy Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory dish without the use of alcohol. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, apple juice, ginger, garlic, and spices, then thickened with cornstarch for a perfect sauce. Serve it over rice and garnish with green onions for a comforting meal that’s great for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken and Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Optional – sliced green onions or chives to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple juice, water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to heat up before adding the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add the Sauce Mixture: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by about half and the flavors to meld.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water, stirring until smooth to create a slurry.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If preferred, substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but note cooking time may vary.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, chives, or sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
