Name: Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice); ½ cup water; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken); Cooked white rice or fried rice; Sliced green onions (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional)

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Short Description

Bourbon chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly sticky dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, flavorful bourbon-infused sauce. This easy copycat recipe brings the classic mall food court favorite straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and bold flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than takeout – Homemade, fresh, and full of flavor.
Sweet, sticky, and savory – A perfect balance of flavors.
Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
Customizable – Adjust spice, sweetness, or add extra veggies.
Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Cornstarch (for coating, optional)
Salt and pepper

For the Bourbon Sauce:

Bourbon whiskey
Soy sauce (low sodium)
Brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated)
Apple cider vinegar
Chicken broth
Ketchup
Hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Cornstarch (for thickening)

For Garnish:

Green onions (chopped)
Sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the chicken – Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make the bourbon sauce – In the same skillet, add bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, broth, ketchup, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Thicken the sauce – Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened.
Combine and finish – Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve and enjoy – Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or steamed veggies.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
No bourbon? No problem! – Use apple juice or chicken broth as a substitute.
Healthier option – Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and honey instead of brown sugar.
Extra veggies – Stir in bell peppers, onions, or broccoli.
Crispy version – Lightly fry the chicken after coating in cornstarch.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work but may be slightly less juicy.

What can I substitute for bourbon?

Apple juice, chicken broth, or white grape juice are great substitutes.

Is bourbon chicken spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, then thicken the sauce before serving.

What’s the best way to serve bourbon chicken?

It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

Use arrowroot powder or let it simmer longer to reduce naturally.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely! If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients and adjust seasoning.

What bourbon works best?

Use a mid-range bourbon like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, or Wild Turkey for great flavor.

Is bourbon chicken gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

This bourbon chicken copycat recipe is a delicious, sticky, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal-prep option, this sweet and savory chicken dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy takeout-style flavors in your own kitchen!