This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is juicy, sweet, and savory all at once — a comforting weeknight winner that tastes like takeout but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Large Skillet
Steamer Basket
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken
2breastschicken, diced into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
1/2cupbourbonroom temperature
1/4cupsoy saucelow-sodium preferred
1/4cuphoneylight or wildflower
2clovesgarlic, minced
Vegetables
1cupbroccoli florets, washed and trimmed
1tbspolive oilfor sautéing
Instructions
Prepare ingredients: Dice the chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Measure out the bourbon, soy sauce, and honey.
Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Sauté chicken: Add the diced chicken in a single layer without crowding. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a golden sear, then stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the outside is golden and the chicken is mostly cooked through (internal color should be opaque).
Mix the sauce: While the chicken sears, whisk together 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl.
Add sauce to chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the hot skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and reduce: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the pieces.
Steam broccoli: While the sauce reduces, place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Alternatively, microwave broccoli with a splash of water for 2 minutes covered.
Combine and finish: Once the sauce is thickened and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F or juices run clear), remove from heat. Serve the bourbon chicken over or alongside the steamed broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can freeze the cooked bourbon chicken (without broccoli) for up to 2 months.