1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are nicely browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is completely cooked through, remove from heat.
- Serve the bourbon chicken with broccoli over cooked rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken:
- Bourbon Selection: You don’t need an expensive bourbon for this recipe; a standard mid-range option will suffice as you’re using it for cooking.
- Adjusting Thickness: Control the thickness of the sauce with the cornstarch slurry. Add slowly and stop when desired consistency is reached.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish, especially since it reduces slightly and flavors concentrate.
- Garnishing: Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the dish.
This Bourbon chicken with broccoli is not only flavorful but also a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. Enjoy the rich, complex flavors that the bourbon sauce provides!