Ingredients :
Bourbon Chicken
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado/vegetable)
Sticky Bourbon Sauce
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice if skipping alcohol)
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger (optional but awesome)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Fried Rice
4 cups cooked, chilled rice (best if day-old)
2 tbsp butter (or oil)
2 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups mixed veggies (peas + carrots)
3 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Green onions (optional)
🍽️ How to Make It :
1️⃣ Get the Chicken Ready
Toss chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper so it cooks up crispy-tender chicken style and holds onto that sauce like a champ.
2️⃣ Sear for Flavor
Heat oil in a hot skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken in a single layer until browned and cooked through, building that restaurant-style color and a little caramelized edge.
3️⃣ Make It Sticky
Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon (or apple juice), ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour into the pan, then stir in the slurry and simmer until you get that glossy sticky bourbon glaze—this is where it turns sweet-and-savory sauce perfect.
4️⃣ Fry the Rice
In another pan, melt butter, scramble eggs, then add veggies and rice. Stir-fry until hot and a little toasty, then season with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for that true fried rice at home feel.
5️⃣ Serve It Up
Plate the fried rice and spoon that saucy chicken right over the top—this is the kind of easy homemade dinner that tastes like you grabbed it from your favorite spot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 min