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Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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Sweet & Sticky Pineapple Bourbon Chicken features tender, seared chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful sauce of pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. This dish balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with fresh pineapple chunks and a touch of ginger and garlic. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it's perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Additional

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and add pineapple juice, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the same skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
  6. Cook the chicken in sauce: Return the chicken thighs and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and sticky.
  7. Add pineapple chunks: Stir in the fresh pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and infuse flavor.
  8. Serve: Plate the chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
  • Use chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be less juicy.
  • If bourbon is not preferred, you can substitute with apple juice or additional pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/sweet-and-sticky-pineapple-bourbon-chicken-recipe/