A savory-sweet one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces in a sticky bourbon sauce paired with crisp broccoli florets — perfect for a hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The sauce strikes a delicious balance of sweet, savory and tangy, making it deeply satisfying.
• It comes together quickly and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
• Including broccoli makes it more complete and adds vibrant colour and texture.
• You get that “take-out” feel at home, avoiding waiting for delivery.

Ingredients

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

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Directions

1. In a 2-cup measuring jug, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, bourbon, sesame oil and black pepper. Microwave (or warm on the stove) for about 1-2 minutes until hot and sugar dissolves.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce mixture until evenly coated.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove broccoli from skillet and set aside.
4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the same skillet. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Add the garlic and grated ginger to the chicken; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the remaining soy sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Return the broccoli to the skillet, stir to coat everything in sauce, and heat through.
7. Serve the dish immediately, ideally over steamed rice (or your favourite grain).

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time: ~20 minutes
• Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs (reduce cooking time slightly).
• Substitute the bourbon with apple juice if you prefer no alcohol flavour—your sauce will still be tasty.
• Add other vegetables: sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms or snow peas for extra colour and crunch.
• For spice, stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Make gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• The broccoli may soften upon reheating; for best texture, you could steam fresh florets and stir them in just before serving.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and don’t overcook easily. You can use chicken breast if preferred — just reduce the cooking time slightly.

Can I skip the bourbon?

Yes — while bourbon adds a subtle depth of flavour, you can substitute with apple juice or extra water for a non-alcohol version.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken and broccoli, syrupy but not gloopy. If too thin, you can mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water then stir it in and simmer for another minute.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for up to 2 hours ahead of time (without cornstarch) and then proceed with cooking when ready.

What side dishes go well with this meal?

Steamed white rice or brown rice work perfectly. You could also serve it with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a different twist.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes — just thaw and drain well, then stir in at the end so it warms through but doesn’t become mushy.

How can I reduce the saltiness?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and limit added salt; the brown sugar and sesame oil contribute flavour so you don’t need extra salt.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes — the flavour is sweet and mild by default. You can increase heat slightly if you want more spice.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people — just make sure your skillet or pan is large enough so the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t steam.

How can I make this meal healthier?

Use chicken breast, reduce the brown sugar a little, add extra vegetables, serve over a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa, and use a moderate amount of oil.

Conclusion

This Bourbon Chicken & Broccoli recipe delivers big flavour with minimal fuss. The sticky, savory sauce, tender chicken and crisp broccoli make it a satisfying all-in-one meal you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation. Easy to adapt, quick to prepare and great for both weeknights and company alike.

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