Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

If there’s one dish that consistently brings a smile to my face, it is bourbon chicken together with broccoli. The very thought of that sticky-sweet glaze enveloping the gentle chicken and crisp broccoli creates the feeling of a warm hug in a bowl. Smoky, sweet, and savory are the tastes of every bite, and they are so well balanced that you will always want more. Whenever I prepare this, my kitchen is taken over by the deep, caramelized smell of bourbon sauce being cooked, and to tell you the truth, it is like a cheerful atmosphere.

What Is Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon chicken is a dish that tastes like a takeout that in the beginning was from the famous Burgundy street in New Orleans. It’s a mix of Southern comfort and Asian-inspired flavors slide made with delicate chickens drenched in a varnish-like sauce that consists of bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. The product? A tasty mixture of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that the chicken part absorbs so well.

Why This Recipe Is Special

I have cooked a lot of variations of bourbon chicken during the years, but this one really has that perfect balance—sweetness without cloying, savoriness without overpowering, and just enough bourbon for deep warmth. The broccoli adds freshness and texture, which works great, lifting it from being just another stir fry to something really filling. The greatest thing? It takes less than 30 minutes to make, which is a plus for weeknights when you want something comforting but quick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, savory, and smoky flavor – A nice balance that satisfies every craving at once.
• Fast and easy – Dinner will be ready in about 30 min.
• Better than takeout – Fresher ingredients, customizable, and you control the sweetness.
• Great for meal prep – Reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge.
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love this saucy chicken.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok: Gives plenty of room for browning the chicken and tossing everything evenly.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For trimming and cubing the chicken cleanly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You’ll need them for accuracy, especially with sauces.
• Whisk: Helps combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula or tongs: For flipping and stirring the chicken as it cooks.

Ingredients

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

For the Chicken and Broccoli

• 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (180 g) broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon whiskey (or apple juice if avoiding alcohol)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce
• 2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch (for thickening)

Garnish (optional but recommended)

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it brown better. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and spread it out in a single layer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes without stirring (that’s how you get that lovely golden crust), then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! If needed, cook the chicken in batches so it sears instead of steams.

3. Steam the Broccoli

Add 1 tablespoon of water to the pan and toss in the broccoli. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, hoisin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger should be whisked together. In a separate small cup, mix until smooth the cornstarch and water.

5. Combine Everything

The sauce mixture should be poured into the skillet and brought to a gentle simmer. Then, the cornstarch slurry should be stirred in, and cooking should be done for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thick and glossy. The chicken and broccoli should be returned to the pan, and everything should be tossed well to ensure even coating.

At this point, the sauce should cling to the chicken like velvet—if it’s too thick, just splash in a bit of water.

6. Serve and Enjoy

It should be served hot over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. The final touch should be green onions and sesame seeds sprinkled on top.

Serving Ideas

• Over rice: This is the classic and comforting option that is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• With noodles: It can be tried over lo mein or rice noodles for a takeout-style twist.
• Low-carb option: It can be served with cauliflower rice or steamed greens.
• Add crunch: You can top it with chopped peanuts or cashews to add texture.

Variations and Customization

• No bourbon? That can be swapped with apple juice, pineapple juice, or even ginger ale.
• Extra heat: They can add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• More veggies: They can toss in bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots.
• Gluten-free: You can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Refrigerate: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: The food should be cooled completely and then frozen for up to 3 months. It can be thawed overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: The food should be gently warmed in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip browning: That’s where the deep flavor is.
• Avoid overcooking broccoli: It should still be bright and a little crisp.
• Taste before serving: Adjust sweetness or saltiness according to your needs.
• Use real bourbon if you can: It adds depth you can’t quite replicate.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken room to caramelize.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~390
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 17g

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this bourbon chicken with broccoli, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with cooking—it’s simple, satisfying, and makes your kitchen smell incredible. You can make it on a busy weeknight or impress guests with how flavorful it tastes for such little effort.