Go Back
Whiskey sticky chicken served over white rice and topped with sliced green onions
ThymeToSauté

Whiskey Sticky Chicken

Tender chicken thighs are coated in cornstarch, browned until golden, and tossed in a sweet and savory whiskey sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Serve over white rice and finish with green onions and an optional drizzle of honey for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 ½ lbs. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced or grated
Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoons whiskey
  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar
Optional
  • Cooked white rice
  • Sliced green onions
  • Honey optional

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Measuring spoons
  • 1 Measuring cup

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, chicken stock, whiskey, and brown sugar. Set aside.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
  6. Stir the sauce again and pour it into the skillet with the chicken.
  7. Reduce heat slightly and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky, stirring occasionally.
  8. Drizzle with honey, if desired.
  9. Serve over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

  • Overnight marinade:  The chicken can be marinated overnight for additional flavor.  Prepare and marinate according to your preferred method before coating the chicken with cornstarch.
  • Whiskey:  Different whiskeys can give the sauce slightly different flavors, so use one you enjoy.
  • Sweetness:  The brown sugar provides plenty of sweetness, but a small drizzle of honey at the end makes the sauce extra glossy and sweet.
  • Spicy version:  Add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.
  • Chicken breast:  Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be substituted but take care not to overcook it.