Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli in Sweet Soy Glaze

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, sweet soy glaze and paired with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a comforting meal that tastes just like your favorite takeout, but even better because it’s homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple pantry ingredients. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, thanks to a light cornstarch coating that locks in moisture while creating a beautiful glaze. The sauce is perfectly balanced—sweet from apple juice and brown sugar, savory from soy sauce, and aromatic from fresh garlic and ginger.

It’s also a quick weeknight dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes. Plus, it’s a complete meal when served over rice, making it both satisfying and family-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup broccoli florets
3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup apple juice
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup water
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the apple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Pour it into the simmering sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the thickened glaze. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer leaner meat.

For extra vegetables, add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.

If you enjoy a deeper flavor, add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce to the glaze.

For a lower-sugar version, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and use unsweetened apple juice.

To make it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a small drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly than thighs.

Does this recipe contain actual bourbon?

No, this version uses apple juice for sweetness and depth of flavor without alcohol.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Coating the chicken with cornstarch before cooking helps seal in moisture and creates a tender texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and drain it first to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

Steamed white rice, brown rice, or even noodles pair beautifully with the sweet soy glaze.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild heat if you include the red pepper flakes, but you can omit them for a completely mild dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon or two of water or apple juice while reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli in Sweet Soy Glaze is a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce, this dish delivers comforting, takeout-style satisfaction right from your own kitchen. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.

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