Easy and delicious: bourbon chicken with thighs recipe for a perfect weeknight meal

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our delectable Bourbon Chicken Recipe with Thighs. This dish combines the irresistible taste of bourbon with juicy chicken thighs, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger powder, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining marinade ingredients: brown sugar, honey, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger powder, and sesame oil.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and become slightly caramelized.

5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds (if desired). Serve over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Chicken with Thighs

• Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: For maximum flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones and skin will add extra richness and depth to the dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The chicken should be cooked through but still remain tender and juicy. Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken.

• Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetness of the dish can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey.

• Experiment with Different Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices to create unique flavor profiles. Some suggestions include adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.

Variations on the Classic Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, the thighs will yield a more flavorful and juicy dish.

• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or onions.

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add a touch of heat by stirring in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Health Benefits of Bourbon Chicken with Thighs

• Protein-Rich: Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.

• Good Source of Iron: Chicken thighs contain a good amount of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body.

• Antioxidant-Rich: The bourbon in the dish contains antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.

Key Points

Our Bourbon Chicken Recipe with Thighs is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you prefer the classic version or experiment with variations, our recipe will guide you through every step to create a delicious and memorable meal.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use dark meat chicken instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use dark meat chicken, such as drumsticks or wings, instead of thighs. The cooking time may vary slightly.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry made from equal parts cornstarch and water. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Q: What sides can I serve with bourbon chicken?
A: Bourbon chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.