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Savory Bourbon Chicken with Caramelized Pineapple

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This savory bourbon chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces glazed in a rich bourbon sauce and paired with sticky, caramelized pineapple. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks (or canned, drained and patted dry)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss chicken in a mixing bowl with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pineapple chunks and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Remove pineapple and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add oil and heat over medium-high. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set chicken aside.
  6. Pour bourbon sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened and glossy.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing with the sauce to coat evenly. Add caramelized pineapple and stir gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.
  9. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari and rice flour. Substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. Canned pineapple works well; just drain and pat dry. Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch. Sauce thickens as it cools; thin with chicken broth if needed. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon chicken, caramelized pineapple, easy dinner, comfort food, skillet chicken, weeknight meal, family recipe, party dish, savory sweet, bourbon sauce

Find it online: https://evabake.com/savory-bourbon-chicken-recipe-easy-caramelized-pineapple-dinner/