Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a savory yet slightly sweet dish that combines tender chicken thighs in a rich bourbon sauce with just the right amount of heat. Paired with crisp broccoli, it creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers the perfect balance of flavors — a savory, rich bourbon sauce with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, complemented by the slight kick of red pepper flakes. The chicken thighs come out incredibly tender, while the broccoli adds a fresh, crunchy contrast. It’s simple to make and full of bold flavors, making it a hit for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, the sauce is perfectly thickened to coat the chicken and broccoli, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup broccoli florets

3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided

1/2 cup apple juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup bourbon

1/2 cup chicken broth

2/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

Season and Coat Chicken: I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Then, I mix them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and set them aside to marinate for a bit.

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, I combine the bourbon, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. I stir everything well and set the bowl aside for later.

Cook Broccoli: I heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and add the broccoli florets. After cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, the broccoli is tender and ready to be removed from the pan. I set it aside.

Cook Chicken: In the same pan, I add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. I cook the chicken pieces for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned. Once done, I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, I mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. I set this aside to thicken the sauce later.

Combine and Simmer: I add the bourbon sauce to the pan and bring it to a boil. Then, I return the cooked chicken to the pan and reduce the heat to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.

Final Assembly: Once the sauce has thickened, I add the cooked broccoli back into the pan and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce even further. I let everything cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s all heated through and the sauce becomes nice and glossy.

Garnish and Serve: I garnish the dish with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve the Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli while it’s warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Spice it Up: If I want an extra kick, I can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper to the sauce.

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots to increase the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Different Meat: While chicken thighs are perfect here, I can also use chicken breasts, pork, or even beef, depending on what I have available.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I can store leftover Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce from thickening too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave.

Related Recipes:

• Easy Bourbon Chicken
• Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon
• Homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate with Bourbon

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, I can use chicken breasts if preferred. Just keep in mind that they might cook a little faster and be less juicy than thighs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead. I recommend storing the chicken and sauce separately from the broccoli and reheating them before serving to keep the broccoli from getting soggy.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?

If I prefer a non-alcoholic version, I can omit the bourbon and substitute it with additional apple juice or a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, I can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the broccoli. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the pan.

Conclusion

Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in a way that’s sure to please anyone at the dinner table. With tender chicken, crispy broccoli, and a rich bourbon sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for family and friends, it’s a meal that always delivers on taste and satisfaction.