The search for the perfect Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe ends here, bringing the beloved mall food court classic right into your kitchen. This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe offers a surprisingly simple yet intensely flavorful way to recreate that iconic sweet and savory glazed chicken at home. It’s a fantastic recipe for anyone craving restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
To create this incredible Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup apple juice
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon (or chicken broth for an alcohol-free version)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions
How to Make Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe is remarkably easy to prepare, promising a delicious and satisfying meal that will become a family favorite. Its simplicity belies an explosion of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors, all coated in a rich, glossy sauce. With just under an hour from start to finish, including prep, you’ll be enjoying this restaurant-worthy dish in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, bourbon (or chicken broth), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using). Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary; you might want a little more brown sugar for sweetness or sriracha for heat.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for another 1-2 minutes, letting the chicken absorb the delicious flavors.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe because it perfectly captures that alluring sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile of the classic, making it an incredibly satisfying meal. Beyond its irresistible taste, mastering this copycat recipe at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to frequenting takeout joints. You get to control the quality of ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
What truly elevates this dish are its simple yet impactful components: the tender chicken, the rich, glossy glaze, and those vibrant garnishes of sesame seeds and green onions that add both texture and freshness. Unlike a simple glazed chicken, this Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe boasts a depth of flavor from the bourbon (or apple juice alternative), ginger, and garlic that truly sets it apart. Don’t wait – dive into this amazing recipe and bring the flavors of your favorite mall food court right to your dinner table tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe tasting great, proper storage is key. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe again, reheat it gently. If refrigerated, you can warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe truly delivers that sensational blend of sweet and savory that has made it a perennial favorite. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to give this delicious recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate such a beloved dish at home.
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Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, bourbon (or chicken broth), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using). Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup apple juice, ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon sriracha
- Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary; you might want a little more brown sugar for sweetness or sriracha for heat.1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for another 1-2 minutes, letting the chicken absorb the delicious flavors.1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Serve your Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.Toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions