Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli in Sweet Soy Glaze (Print version)

Juicy chicken bites and crisp broccoli tossed in a sticky bourbon-soy glaze for a fast skillet dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken and broccoli

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
06 - 5 cups (425 g) broccoli florets
07 - 2 tablespoons water
08 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

For the sweet soy glaze

09 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
10 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) apple juice
12 - 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
13 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
14 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
15 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
17 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
18 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For serving

19 - Cooked white rice or brown rice, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
02 - In a bowl, whisk bourbon, soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, broccoli, and 2 tablespoons water to the skillet. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
05 - Stir the glaze again, then pour it into the skillet with the broccoli. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
06 - Return the chicken and any juices to the pan. Toss for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is coated and reaches 165°F. Top with scallions and serve over rice if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot while the glaze is shiny.
02 - Use apple juice instead of bourbon for an alcohol-free version.
03 - Nutrition estimate does not include optional rice.