Bourbon chicken with broccoli

Introduction:

Elevate your dinner table with a tantalizing dish that combines the robust flavors of bourbon-marinated chicken with tender broccoli florets. Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a delectable fusion of sweet and savory, with succulent chicken pieces coated in a sticky bourbon glaze and accompanied by vibrant broccoli, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. In this article, we’ll delve into the culinary delight of Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli, explore its irresistible flavors, and provide you with a simple yet sensational recipe to recreate this flavor-packed dish at home.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)

For the bourbon sauce:

• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For the broccoli:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

2. Prepare the bourbon sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until dissolved. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

3. Cook the chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Prepare the broccoli:

• In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine everything:

• Once the chicken is cooked and the broccoli is tender, pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
• Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until the broccoli is coated with the sauce.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the bourbon chicken and broccoli to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
• Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
• Enjoy your flavorful bourbon chicken with broccoli!

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli hot over a bed of cooked rice for a satisfying and complete meal. The rice will soak up the flavorful bourbon glaze and complement the tender chicken and broccoli perfectly.
2. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, aromatic finish.
3. Consider serving the dish with additional side dishes such as steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles for variety and to accommodate different dietary preferences.
4. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, pair Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli with other dishes like vegetable spring rolls, egg drop soup, or stir-fried noodles.
5. Serve the dish family-style in a large serving platter or individual bowls for a communal dining experience that encourages sharing and conviviality.

Storage Tips:

1. Store any leftover Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the dish from drying out during reheating.
3. To maintain the texture and flavor of the broccoli, consider blanching it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the dish. This will help preserve its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture when reheating.
4. If you anticipate having leftovers but want to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft, consider storing the chicken and broccoli separately from the sauce. Reheat each component separately and combine them just before serving.
5. Avoid freezing Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli, as the texture of the sauce and vegetables may become mushy when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

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