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Easy Bourbon Chicken Better Than Takeout
Emily

Easy Bourbon Chicken

A takeout favorite made at home — tender chicken pieces simmered in a sweet, savory, and slightly boozy sauce with bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup apple juice
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Toss in chicken pieces until coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 6 minutes total; set aside.
  3. Sauté minced garlic in the skillet for about 30 seconds, then add remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Lower heat and return chicken to the skillet, simmering for about 10 minutes until sauce reduces by half.
  5. Optional: Mix additional cornstarch with cold water to thicken the sauce if desired.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the rich sauce. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute apple juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.