Description
A flavorful and family-friendly Not So Boozy Bourbon Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce made from apple juice, low sodium soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice.
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 Thickening
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions or chives
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple juice, water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Set this sauce mixture aside to use later.
- Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and stir occasionally, cooking until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the flavors meld and the liquid reduce by about half.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the chicken and sauce mixture, then cook for an additional 1 minute while stirring continuously to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the bourbon chicken over rice if desired, garnishing with sliced green onions or chives for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes during the sauce preparation.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used if desired.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad to balance the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
