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Not So Boozy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This Not So Boozy Bourbon Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender boneless chicken thighs are simmered in a flavorful sauce made with low sodium soy sauce, apple juice, and a hint of ginger and garlic, then thickened to perfection. Serve this easy skillet recipe over rice and garnish with green onions for a complete meal that’s quick to prepare and full of comforting flavors.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch mixture)
  • Optional – sliced green onions or chives to garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple juice, water, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce by approximately half.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet, stirring quickly to incorporate. Continue cooking for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
  • Apple juice adds natural sweetness and mimics the bourbon flavor without alcohol.
  • The sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess by varying the brown sugar or apple cider vinegar according to taste.
  • Serve with steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American