Description
A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs in a sticky, sweet, and savory bourbon glaze. This comfort food staple is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces if large. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over chicken pieces and toss until lightly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pan.
- Pour sauce mixture into the same skillet and let it bubble and thicken for about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce is sticky and glossy and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a decent bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace for best flavor. Avoid cheap cooking wines. If using chicken breasts, cut into smaller pieces and cook quickly to prevent drying out. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari. The sauce can be thinned with water or bourbon if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Chicken thighs with
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: bourbon chicken, sweet glaze, easy dinner, 30 minute meals, chicken thighs, comfort food, family dinner, quick recipes