Description
Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce made from pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This sweet and savory recipe is elevated with fresh pineapple chunks and fragrant ginger and garlic, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the same skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken thighs and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption. The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce sticky.
- Add Pineapple Chunks: Stir in fresh pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm the fruit and infuse the dish with sweetness.
- Serve: Plate the chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, to add color and a slight crunch.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with additional pineapple juice or apple cider.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry, but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure to simmer the bourbon sauce carefully to cook off the alcohol and concentrate flavors.
