Easy Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli – A 30-Minute Sweet & Savory Skillet

Looking for a fast and flavorful dinner that satisfies your takeout cravings without the delivery fees? This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli hits all the right notes: tender chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and crisp-tender broccoli. Best of all? It comes together in just 30 minutes using everyday pantry staples—no actual bourbon required.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the classic combo of chicken and broccoli tossed in a sticky sauce. This recipe is a lighter, home-cooked twist on a mall food court favorite, swapping bourbon for apple juice to keep it kid-friendly and accessible. The sauce thickens to a gorgeous glossy finish, and the broccoli adds color, crunch, and a fresh balance to all that sweet and savory goodness.

It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or just when you’re craving something cozy, fast, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple juice (substitute for bourbon)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken thighs: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Apple juice: If you do want to include bourbon, swap the apple juice for equal parts bourbon.
• Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful veggie boost.
• Honey drizzle: For a touch more sweetness and shine, a teaspoon of honey at the end goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sauté until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer It All Together
   Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat evenly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Prepare the Broccoli
   While the chicken simmers, steam or sauté the broccoli until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve
   Add the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together. Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, or even noodles.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for even browning.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor (though ground ginger works great in a pinch).
• Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve this dish over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. It’s also delicious alongside:

• This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole for a hearty dinner spread.
• These Easy Turkey Wings as a cozy comfort food pairing.
• A light cucumber salad or simple steamed jasmine rice.

Drink pairings? Try this blueberry lemonade or a crisp classic margarita on the side.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli, try these next:

• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – cozy and packed with bold Southern flavor.
• These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – perfect for crowd-feeding with minimal cleanup.
• This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage – a veggie-forward skillet meal bursting with Southern charm.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is everything I love in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, family-friendly, and just a little sticky-sweet indulgence in a skillet. It’s easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress.

If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag @chefmaniacrecipes in your kitchen creations. Hungry for more? Subscribe for weekly comfort food favorites and easy dinner inspiration.