Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a deliciously savory dish with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors. It’s a popular takeout favorite that you can easily make at home using simple ingredients. Traditionally, the sauce includes bourbon, but for this recipe, we’ve substituted it with apple juice, making it more family-friendly without sacrificing the rich taste. Paired with tender broccoli and served over fluffy rice, this meal is quick to prepare and is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup apple juice (bourbon substitute)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too thin, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pan to thicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the sautéed broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
COOKING Note:
- Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly diced for even cooking.
- The cornstarch is optional but helps achieve a thicker, more luscious sauce.
- Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce, respectively.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- You can also pair this dish with quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic for about 20 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is not available, but it may require less cooking time.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain slightly crisp to complement the tender chicken.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 780mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breast. They are juicier and add a richer flavor to the dish. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for apple juice?
A: If you don’t have apple juice, you can use pineapple juice, white grape juice, or even a splash of orange juice. Each will bring a different twist to the flavor.
Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them when ready to eat. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to thin the sauce if needed.
Conclusion:
Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a fantastic blend of flavors that brings the joy of takeout to your kitchen. With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The substitution of apple juice ensures that everyone in the family can enjoy it, while still maintaining the dish’s signature sweet and savory profile. Try this easy-to-make recipe and treat yourself to a homemade feast that rivals your favorite restaurant!
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Easy Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli Recipe – Sweet & Savory Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup apple juice (bourbon substitute)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce appears too thin, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pan to thicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the sautéed broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
Notes
COOKING Note:
- Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly diced for even cooking.
- The cornstarch is optional but helps achieve a thicker, more luscious sauce.
- Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce, respectively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 30g