Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, sweet, and tangy bourbon sauce. This recipe balances umami and brightness, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for searing
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the hot skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and cook off the alcohol, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the simmering sauce. Whisk immediately until the sauce thickens (30-60 seconds).
- Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Remove from heat.
- Stir in rice vinegar and sesame oil. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use good quality bourbon for the best flavor. Ensure chicken is dry before searing to promote browning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with chicken broth, vanilla extract, and a pinch of allspice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Served over steamed
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 35
Keywords: bourbon chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal, chicken thighs, bourbon sauce, easy recipe, 20 minute meal