Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs glazed with a rich, savory-sweet bourbon sauce. This forgiving recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
- Bourbon whiskey (mid-range)
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Packed brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh minced garlic (3-4 cloves)
- Freshly grated ginger
- Cornstarch mixed with cold water (slurry)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear chicken thighs in the skillet for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, flip, and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the reserved glaze mixture into the skillet and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to cook off raw alcohol taste.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon glaze over the meat, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping halfway through.
- Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with remaining sauce.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for a better sear. Do not skip the searing step for flavor. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If too thin, simmer longer or add more cornstarch slurry. Rest the meat for 5 minutes to keep it juicy. Can be made in a slow cooker or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 30
Keywords: sweet bourbon chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, bourbon glaze, quick meals, comfort food, chicken thighs