Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

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.

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Total Time 1

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

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

Equipment

Large skillet or wok

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

Notes

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.