Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan, and cook until golden and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Broccoli:
   • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the broccoli florets until they are bright green and crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
4. Make the Bourbon Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
   • Add the apple juice, bourbon, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the bourbon sauce. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is sticky and coating the chicken and broccoli evenly.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli offers a delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors that make it a standout dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and colorful presentation. Enjoy the rich taste and satisfying texture of this delicious meal any night of the week!