Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Bourbon Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
Simmer in the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken with a glaze.
Optional Thickening:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve:
Once the chicken is well coated and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.