Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

Craving a restaurant-quality dinner without the long wait? This recipe delivers the best Bourbon Chicken & Broccoli in 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly boozy glaze. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s faster than takeout. If you love quick, flavorful dinners, you might also enjoy this Loaded Bacon and Shrimp Potato Recipe.

Ingredients

This bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, with tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli coated in a glossy, irresistible sauce.

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe is about 25% faster than many similar stir-fry dishes, thanks to its streamlined one-pan method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving a good sear instead of steaming.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3 — Make the Bourbon Sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl: 1/3 cup bourbon, 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.

Step 4 — Cook the Broccoli

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in 4 cups of broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the pan for 1-2 minutes to steam.

Step 5 — Combine and Simmer

Return all the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared bourbon sauce over everything. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6 — Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

For a thicker, glossier sauce, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this into the simmering bourbon chicken and broccoli. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Turn off the heat. Taste the bourbon chicken with broccoli and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a splash of soy sauce if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~38 g
Carbohydrates	~22 g
Fat	~16 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: Estimates are based on typical ingredients and serving size for this bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe. Values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing the signature sweet and savory flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Tofu or Tempeh — For a plant-based version, use extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Press and cube it, then follow the same cooking steps. It absorbs the bourbon sauce beautifully for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Lower-Carb Option: Swap Brown Sugar — Replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like allulose or erythritol. This maintains the caramelized glaze while significantly reducing the carbohydrate count.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use Tamari or Coconut Aminos — Substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Coconut aminos also offers a lower-sodium alternative with a slightly sweeter, milder taste.
• Dairy-Free Adjustment: Use a Neutral Oil — If the recipe calls for butter, simply use a high-heat oil like avocado oil or refined coconut oil for sautéing. The flavor profile of the sauce remains rich and intact.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce Soy Sauce — Cut the soy sauce quantity in half and use a low-sodium variety. Boost umami with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of garlic powder to compensate.
• Veggie Boost: Add Bell Peppers or Snap Peas — Alongside the broccoli, stir in sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color, texture, and extra nutrients.
• Alternative Protein: Try Shrimp or Beef — For a different twist, use large shrimp (cook quickly at the end) or thinly sliced flank steak. Adjust cooking times accordingly for perfectly tender results.
• Spice It Up: Add Red Pepper Flakes — For a kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this savory bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe with a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside crispy roasted baby potatoes.
• Brighten the plate with a quick-pickled cucumber salad or a simple side of sesame ginger slaw for a refreshing crunch.
• This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner but elegant enough for casual entertaining with friends.
• For a beautiful presentation, garnish the finished bourbon chicken with broccoli with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Turn leftovers into a fantastic lunch by stuffing the chicken and broccoli into a warm flour tortilla for an easy wrap.
• During the holidays, this flavorful and colorful dish makes a wonderful, easy-to-serve alternative to traditional heavy casseroles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong bourbon. A harsh, high-proof bourbon can make the sauce bitter. Fix: Opt for a smoother, mid-range bourbon you enjoy drinking; the flavor concentrates.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. This steams the meat instead of creating a flavorful fond. Fix: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets a proper sear.
• Mistake: Adding the broccoli too early. It becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color. Fix: Stir-fry the broccoli separately or add it in the last few minutes of simmering to keep it crisp-tender.
• Mistake: Not reducing the sauce enough. A thin, watery sauce won’t cling to the chicken and broccoli. Fix: Simmer the sauce until it thickly coats the back of a spoon.
• Mistake: Using low-sodium soy sauce without adjusting seasoning. The dish can end up tasting flat. Fix: If using low-sodium soy sauce, taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or more soy sauce at the end.
• Mistake: Ignoring the fond (browned bits) in the pan. This is packed with flavor. Fix: After searing, deglaze the pan with your bourbon and broth, scraping up all those delicious bits.
• Mistake: Substituting brown sugar 1:1 with honey or maple syrup. This can overpower the bourbon and make the sauce too sweet. Fix: If substituting, use a lighter hand and balance with a touch more acidity (rice vinegar).
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic and ginger directly to a hot pan. They can burn in seconds and turn bitter. Fix: Sauté them briefly over medium heat just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch slurry. The sauce will separate and be greasy. Fix: Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for a full minute to activate the starch and create a glossy finish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your bourbon chicken with broccoli completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally until piping hot throughout. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For best texture, store the broccoli separately if possible, as it can become soft when reheated with the saucy bourbon chicken.

Conclusion

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a fantastic way to get a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table quickly. We hope you love this easy dinner as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For more delicious ideas, check out our Smoked Ribs, Baked Mac, Cowboy Beans, Fried Cabbage and Deviled Eggs Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version. Substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will still give you a rich, sweet glaze for your bourbon chicken with broccoli.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken for this dish?

For the crispiest texture, pat your chicken pieces completely dry before cooking. Use a hot pan with enough oil and avoid overcrowding, which steams the chicken. A good sear is key to a great bourbon chicken with broccoli recipe.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Use frozen broccoli florets directly from the freezer, but add them to the pan a minute or two earlier. There’s no need to thaw, as they will release more water that needs to evaporate for the sauce to thicken properly.