Easy Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe That Rivals The Original

Crafting a mouthwatering bourbon chicken that rivals restaurant versions sends my taste buds into pure excitement.

My kitchen often buzzes with experimental cooking techniques for classic dishes.

Southern-style recipes always spark incredible memories of weekend gatherings.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce create irresistible comfort food moments.

Home cooks can easily master this delectable dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Restaurant-quality flavors emerge right from your own stovetop with minimal effort.

Savor every delicious bite and watch everyone request seconds of this incredible meal.

Spotlight on Bourbon Chicken Copycat

• Delivers restaurant-quality bourbon chicken in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious meals without long preparation times.
• Uses affordable ingredients found in most pantries, transforming simple chicken into a restaurant-style dish that tastes like expensive takeout without breaking the bank.
• Easily adjust spice levels by changing red pepper flakes or swap ingredients to match dietary preferences, making this recipe versatile for different taste buds and nutritional needs.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation while creating maximum flavor.

What You’ll Need for Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, skinless and boneless recommended for even cooking.
• Cornstarch: Light coating helps chicken achieve a crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking and creating a non-stick surface in the skillet.
• Bourbon: Adds deep, rich flavor and traditional character to the sauce.
• Water: Helps balance and thin out the sauce consistency.

• Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweet elements.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes complex, savory undertones to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, providing aromatic and sharp flavor base.
• Ginger: Adds warm, slightly spicy notes to complement the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and mild spiciness.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh crunch and nutty accent to finish the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Sweet and Savory Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

• Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch for extra crunch
• Ensure each piece is evenly coated

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken Pieces

• Pour vegetable oil into large skillet
• Heat skillet to medium-high temperature
• Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked
• Remove chicken from pan and set aside

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Add minced garlic to same skillet
• Saute briefly until aromatic

Step 4: Craft Signature Sauce

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ground ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Water
• Pour all ingredients into skillet
• Simmer sauce for 5 minutes
• Allow alcohol to evaporate

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

• Mix cornstarch with small water amount
• Stir slurry into simmering sauce
• Cook until sauce reaches desired consistency

Step 6: Combine And Finish

• Return chicken to skillet
• Coat chicken thoroughly with sauce
• Cook additional 2 minutes

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

• Place chicken over steamed rice
• Sprinkle green onions
• Add sesame seeds
• Enjoy restaurant-quality meal at home

Handy Tips for Takeout-Style Chicken

• Crisp Chicken Coating: Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Allow bourbon sauce to reduce slowly, letting alcohol evaporate and concentrate flavors for a rich, complex taste profile.
• Quick Heat Management: Cook chicken over medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning or drying out the meat.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat intensity, making the dish mild for kids or spicier for heat lovers.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra sauce and chicken to store in refrigerator for quick reheat and enjoy delicious leftovers within 3-4 days.

Leftover Tips for Bourbon Chicken Lovers

• Store leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Safely preserve the chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and maintain sauce consistency.
• Gently reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture.

What to Pair with Bourbon Chicken

• Serve with buttery cornbread to soak up the rich bourbon sauce and complement the chicken's savory flavors.
• Mix a classic mint julep or bourbon old-fashioned that echoes the recipe's bourbon notes and enhances the meal's warmth.
• Prepare a tangy coleslaw or roasted asparagus with lemon to cut through the sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast to the chicken's intensity.
• Select fluffy jasmine rice or garlic-infused brown rice to absorb the delicious sauce and provide a neutral base for the bold chicken flavors.

Bourbon Chicken Customizations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor profile.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. Add a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor without alcohol.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce. Incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra heat boost in the sauce.

FAQs for Copycat Bourbon Chicken

• What is bourbon chicken?

Bourbon chicken is a popular American Chinese-style dish featuring chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce with bourbon whiskey, typically served over rice.

• Do I need actual bourbon for this recipe?

No, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The key is maintaining the balance of sweet and savory flavors.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, adjust the heat by increasing red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to suit your spice preference.

• Is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy chicken exterior and thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style consistency. It’s recommended but not absolutely mandatory.

Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor southern comfort with this mouthwatering Bourbon Chicken, packed with sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Classic Louisiana-style goodness comes alive, inviting you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic version)

Sauce Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch mixture)

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Cooked white rice or fried rice
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by lightly coating it with cornstarch to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
2. Warm a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with heat.
3. Carefully introduce the chicken pieces into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear and develop a rich, caramelized color for approximately 5-6 minutes, ensuring thorough cooking.
4. Transfer the beautifully browned chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage.
5. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, releasing its intense flavor.
6. Create a vibrant sauce by combining bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water directly into the skillet.
7. Allow the liquid mixture to gently simmer, letting the alcohol evaporate and the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes.
8. Introduce a cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring consistently to help it thicken and develop a glossy, rich consistency.
9. Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious sauce and allowing it to warm through for an additional 2 minutes.
10. Plate the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, garnishing with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Coat chicken in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a restaurant-quality texture.
• Prevent sauce burning by using medium-high heat and stirring frequently during reduction process.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish friendly for sensitive palates or kids who love mild flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg