Bourbon Chicken Thighs Just Like the Mall Food Court Made Back in the Day

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Cook the chicken

Step 2

Cut thighs into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add oil and cook chicken until browned and slightly charred around the edges, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Don't overcrowd the pan. Let it get some color.

Step 6

2. Make the sauce ½ cup apple juice ⅓ cup brown sugar ¼ cup soy sauce 2 tbsp ketchup 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp grated ginger 2 tbsp bourbon (optional but authentic) ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Step 7

Whisk together all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry.

Step 8

Pour into the skillet with the chicken.

Step 9

3. Simmer

Step 10

Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until the sauce reduces.

Step 11

4. Thicken

Step 12

Mix cornstarch and water. 1 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp cold water

Step 13

Stir into the sauce and cook another minute or two until glossy and sticky.