Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

Short Description

This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Inspired by the popular mall food court dish, this homemade version is even better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and quick – Ready in under 30 minutes
• Better than takeout – Fresh, flavorful, and made from scratch
• One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup required
• Perfectly balanced flavors – Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy
• Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats well

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Make the sauce – Stir in soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until it thickens.
5. Combine everything – Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Gluten-free option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Sweeter version – Increase brown sugar or add a bit of honey.
• Extra tangy – Add a bit more apple cider vinegar for a bolder flavor.
• Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they remain juicy, but chicken breasts can also be used.

Can I make this dish without bourbon?

Yes! Apple juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute.

Is Bourbon Chicken actually made with bourbon?

Yes, traditionally it is, but you can replace it with apple juice for a kid-friendly version.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and simmer until the sauce thickens.

What should I serve with Bourbon Chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles are great choices, along with steamed vegetables.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I add more flavor to the sauce?

Try adding a splash of hoisin sauce or a bit of oyster sauce for extra depth.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch at the end.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.

Conclusion

This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home. With a rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it today and bring the taste of the food court to your kitchen!

Print