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Sticky Bourbon Chicken Rice Bowls

Sticky Bourbon Chicken Rice Bowls
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Sticky Bourbon Chicken Rice Bowls feature juicy, tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce served over fluffy white rice. This dish balances rich, sticky flavors with fresh aromatics and garnishes, making it an easy, family-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknights or impressing guests, it offers versatility with tasty variations and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice
  • Tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian substitute
  • Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for veggie boost
  • Brown rice or cauliflower rice as rice alternatives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar to create the sticky bourbon glaze balanced with sweet and savory flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook until the chicken is nearly done, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
  3. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and simmer. Let the sauce thicken and glaze the chicken pieces, turning them sticky and flavorful.
  4. Prepare the Rice: While the sauce thickens, cook the rice according to package instructions if not already prepared. Fluffy white rice works best to absorb the bourbon sauce.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Spoon a generous portion of rice into each bowl. Top with the sticky bourbon chicken and drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken thighs for crisp texture and better flavor.
  • Allow the sauce to reduce fully for a thick, sticky consistency.
  • Use fresh grated ginger and minced garlic for optimal aromatic intensity.
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Adjust brown sugar amount to control sweetness according to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sticky Bourbon Chicken, Rice Bowls, Bourbon Sauce, Quick Dinner, Family Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/sticky-bourbon-chicken-rice-bowls/