Description
Recreate the delicious flavors of Bourbon Chicken at home with this easy copycat recipe! Tender chicken is simmered in a sweet, savory bourbon-infused sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Ingredients: Add soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Stir to combine.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over white rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- 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.
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: chinese-american
Keywords: Bourbon Chicken, Copycat Bourbon Chicken, Easy Bourbon Chicken Recipe, Chinese Takeout Recipe, Homemade Bourbon Chicken