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Bourbon Honey Chicken Recipe

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This Bourbon Honey Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of bourbon, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger. The chicken is pan-seared until caramelized and then simmered in a luscious, thickened sauce, making it an irresistible dish perfect for serving over rice and garnished with fresh green onions.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 Tbsp oil
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 Tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch

For Garnish

  • Sliced green onion

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, water, honey, dark brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces to the marinade. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  3. Heat the oil and sear the chicken: Preheat a large heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade—allowing excess marinade to drip off—and arrange them in a single layer in the skillet.
  4. Brown the chicken on one side: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom side develops a rich brown caramelized crust. This initial sear locks in flavor and texture.
  5. Flip and caramelize the other side: Carefully turn the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the second side also caramelizes and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  6. Add remaining marinade and simmer: Pour the leftover marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
  7. Serve and garnish: Transfer the bourbon honey chicken to serving plates. Serve hot over rice and sprinkle generously with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances the depth of flavor but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient.
  • Use a heavy skillet such as cast iron for optimal caramelization and even cooking.
  • Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by varying the honey or rice vinegar to suit your taste.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
  • Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to absorb the delicious sauce.
  • This dish can be doubled or halved easily depending on the number of servings needed.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/bourbon-honey-chicken-recipe/