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Bourbon Chicken

This bourbon chicken is sweet, savory, and a little smoky, with tender chicken glazed in a rich sauce of brown sugar, soy, bourbon, and sesame oil. Garlic, ginger, and a splash of vinegar add depth and balance.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½  cup low‑sodium soy sauce
  • ½  cup 100 g packed light brown sugar
  • ¼  cup 60 mL water
  • 2  Tbsp bourbon whiskey
  • 1  tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½  tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2  lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
  • 2  Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2  Tbsp neutral oil vegetable or canola
  • 2  garlic cloves minced (about 2 tsp)
  • 1  tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2  tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, water, bourbon, sesame oil, and pepper; heat and divide the mixture.
  • Toss chicken with cornstarch and a portion of the sauce.
  • Sear chicken in oil until browned and cooked through, 10 min.
  • Sauté garlic and ginger, add remaining sauce, simmer until syrupy, 6–8 min; stir in vinegar.
  • Toss chicken in the glaze and serve over rice.