Name: Bourbon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated or finely chopped; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar); ¼ cup chicken broth (Halal-certified); 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option.; Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without being overly salty. Always check to ensure it’s Halal-certified.; Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the caramelization of the chicken.; Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the sugar, balancing the sauce perfectly.; Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that coats the chicken beautifully.; Sesame Oil: Adds a unique, nutty flavor that enhances the depth of the sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated or finely chopped
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
¼ cup chicken broth (Halal-certified)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without being overly salty. Always check to ensure it’s Halal-certified.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the caramelization of the chicken.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the sugar, balancing the sauce perfectly.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that coats the chicken beautifully.
Sesame Oil: Adds a unique, nutty flavor that enhances the depth of the sauce.

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Prepare the Bourbon Chicken Sauce:

Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: To the garlic and ginger, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to come to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Bring it All Together:

Add the Chicken Back to the Pan: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.
Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and sauce, stirring to combine. The sesame oil will add a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish: Sprinkle the Bourbon Chicken with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15minutes
Cook Time: 30minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 400
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g