One-Pan Bourbon Chicken Recipe Is a Tasty High-Protein Dinner (30 Minutes) by Jan Mostrom

I always like an easy, high-protein dinner recipe that comes together with fresh flavors, and this bourbon chicken recipe does not disappoint. Pare this quick and easy bourbon chicken with a fresh vegetable or salad and bread, and your dinner is complete and will satisfy the whole family.

To make this 30-minute, one-pan, high-protein chicken dinner you will need just a few ingredients. Here is your shopping list: low-sodium soy sauce, bourbon, pineapple juice (see Recipe Notes), rice wine vinegar, maple syrup or honey, garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, boneless chicken thighs, cornstarch, cooking oil and green onions, for garnishing. (Check out the health benefits of protein.)

Serve this easy bourbon chicken recipe over rice with your favorite side dishes for a meal that will be talked about for a while (and often requested!).

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice 
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch (divided)
• 2 tablespoons neutral high-heat oil 
• 2 teaspoons water
• sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Here's how to make it: 

1. In a small bowl mix soy sauce, bourbon, juice, vinegar, maple syrup or honey, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper. (Instead of pineapple juice, you could use white grape juice or pineapple juice. I used pineapple and it was delicious! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.)
   
2. In a large bowl coat your chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
   
3. Place oil in a large skillet and heat on medium-high for about 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes.
   
4. Add the bourbon sauce and keep cooking and stirring until the liquid is cooked down and coating the chicken, another 5 to 6 minutes. While the chicken cooks combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the water in a small bowl. Mix well and pour onto the chicken and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
   
5. Serve over cooked rice and top with green onions, if desired. Enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
   

Photo credit (all photos): Jan Mostrom

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