Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs in a sticky, sweet, and savory bourbon glaze. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- Oil for searing
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil or butter. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown; do not cook through completely.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, flipping chicken occasionally and spooning sauce over the top, until the sauce thickens and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but breasts can be used with reduced cooking time. The alcohol in the bourbon cooks off, leaving a warm flavor. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or bourbon. If too thin, simmer longer or use a cornstarch slurry. For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 35
Keywords: bourbon chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, sweet glaze, 5 ingredient recipe, chicken thighs, quick dinner, family friendly