Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

Bourbon Chicken is a popular dish known for its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Often found in mall food courts and Chinese-American takeout menus, this dish is made with tender chicken simmered in a rich bourbon-infused sauce. The following copycat recipe allows you to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality flavors at home – No need for takeout when you can make this delicious dish yourself.
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples that are easy to find.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or add vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
• ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the bourbon (or apple juice) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over white rice or steamed vegetables.

Variations

• Make it spicier – Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
• Use chicken breast – Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables – Include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
• Swap sweeteners – Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Non-alcoholic version – Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bourbon Chicken get its name?

Despite being associated with bourbon whiskey, Bourbon Chicken is named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where the dish is believed to have originated.

Can I make this without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or even pineapple juice for a similar depth of flavor.

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.

What sides pair well with Bourbon Chicken?

White rice, brown rice, fried rice, steamed vegetables, or even noodles complement this dish well.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook all the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, adding the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Does the alcohol cook out of the bourbon?

Most of the alcohol will cook off during simmering, but if you’re concerned, opt for an alcohol-free substitute like apple juice or chicken broth.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger pan or wok to ensure even cooking.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the sugar slightly, and incorporate more vegetables into the dish.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Conclusion

This Bourbon Chicken Copycat recipe brings the beloved flavors of takeout straight to your kitchen. With a balance of sweetness, savoriness, and a touch of spice, it’s a dish that the whole family will love. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this homemade version is sure to become a regular on your meal rotation!

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