Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a crispy coating)

For the sauce:

• 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch (optional, for a crispy texture).

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the bourbon and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.

• Stir in soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Thicken the Sauce:

• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine:

• Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through.

5. Serve:

• Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking.

• You can make this dish spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.

Enjoy your homemade bourbon chicken!