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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.
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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.