Burbon Chicken (a.k.a. Candy Chicken)

The boys nicknamed this "Candy Chicken" since it was so yummy!

My friend Barbie Kate recommended this recipe to me.  (This girl looks like a Barbie doll I swear… maybe a cross between Barbie and the girl next door.  She rocks.  In fact, I’m convinced she has no idea she’s a hottie.  Where do these people come from??)  

Makes enough for thirds... not that I'd know.

 I almost skipped the recipe when I realized it didn’t have any veggies in it.  Normally I override recipes with my own adjustments the first time, but decided to play it pretty safe, and only adjust it using some of the approved suggestions from online.  I figure I can always serve veggies as a side!

I took the original recipe (from food.com), doubled the sauce and added cornstarch.  Here it is!

1.       Cut up 2 lbs chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, drop into a frying pan with 1 or 2 Tbsp oil and cook until slightly browned, remove from pan and set aside.

2.       Mix together the following in your hot pan until all the ingredients are dissolved.

a.       3 Tbs minced garlic

b.      ½ tsp ground ginger

c.       ¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

d.      ½ cup apple juice

e.      2/3 cup brown sugar

f.        ¼ cup ketchup

g.       2 Tbs cider vinegar

h.      1 cup water

i.         1 or 2 Tbsp cornstarch

j.        2/3 cup soy sauce

3.       Add the chicken pieces (and veggies if you choose), bring to a hard boil

4.       Reduce heat and simmer for 20 min

5.       Make rice in a rice cooker if you have one (I used 2 cups long grain rice with 3 ½ cups water in ours)

Thanks for the awesome recipe Barbie Kate!!