Bring the magic of food court classics to your kitchen with this Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe. Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich bourbon-infused glaze. Perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic and soy, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner, this easy recipe delivers bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? It’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for tender, flavorful bites.
- Bourbon: Adds depth and a subtle smoky-sweet flavor.
- Brown sugar and soy sauce: Create a sweet and savory glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic and ginger: Elevate the dish with aromatic warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated. - Sear the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the sauce
In the same skillet, add the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a simmer. - Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the water and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. - Combine and coat
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Serve
Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Protein: ~35g
Expert Tips
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a kid-friendly option.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure a golden, crispy sear.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
What’s the best substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, apple juice, pineapple juice, or chicken broth are excellent substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken.
- Add veggies: Stir in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
Bring the magic of food court classics to your kitchen with this Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe. Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich bourbon-infused glaze. Perfectly balanced with a hint of garlic and soy, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- - 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- #### Sauce
- - 1/4 cup bourbon
- - 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- - 1/4 cup brown sugar
- - 2 tablespoons ketchup
- - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- - 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- - 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- - 1/4 cup water
- - 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening
Instructions
- **Prepare the chicken**
- Toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
- **Sear the chicken**
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- **Make the sauce**
- In the same skillet, add the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a simmer.
- **Thicken the sauce**
- In a small bowl, mix the water and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- **Combine and coat**
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- **Serve**
- Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
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