Sweet & Sizzling Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this delectable bourbon chicken copycat recipe promises a mouthwatering journey through flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender chicken pieces bathed in a bourbon-infused sauce capture the essence of classic restaurant-style comfort food.

Each succulent bite blends sweet and tangy notes that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

The marinade combines familiar ingredients in an unexpected harmony that elevates simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Simple enough for busy home cooks yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Rich bourbon-based glazes coat each chicken piece, creating a glossy, irresistible finish that beckons everyone to the table.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this copycat recipe has become a weeknight favorite for food enthusiasts everywhere.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients to Make Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

• Chicken Pieces: Select tender, boneless cuts that absorb flavors beautifully, preferably thighs for richer taste.
• Cornstarch: Magical coating that creates irresistible crispy exterior and helps sauce cling perfectly.

• Bourbon: Adds deep, complex sweetness and signature flavor profile, choose quality drinking bourbon.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers rich umami depth, opt for low-sodium variety for better control.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and helps sauce thicken naturally.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy brightness and helps create glossy sauce consistency.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright, sharp note that balances sweet elements.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes subtle depth and complexity to overall flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves offer intense, robust flavor base.
• Ginger: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements chicken perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting kick to the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for achieving perfect chicken sear.
• Water: Helps balance sauce consistency and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and authentic Asian-inspired finish.

Tools That Help You Master Bourbon Chicken at Home

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping green onions.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise chicken and garnish cutting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating chicken.
• Small bowl: Useful for mixing cornstarch slurry.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling chicken pieces.

How to Cook Bourbon Chicken That’s Better Than Takeout

• Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks, ensuring even cooking for maximum flavor.

• Brown Chicken Perfectly

Heat oil in a large skillet until sizzling hot, then cook chicken until golden and crispy on all sides.

• Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes in the same skillet.

• Simmer and Thicken

Let sauce bubble gently, reducing and concentrating flavors while transforming into a glossy, rich coating.

• Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the luscious, caramelized bourbon sauce until heated through.

• Plate and Garnish

Transfer your delectable bourbon chicken over fluffy rice, sprinkling with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish.

Flavor Boosters for Bourbon Chicken Fans

• Crispy Coating Trick: Toss chicken in cornstarch before cooking to create an irresistibly golden and crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing flavor.
• Healthier Version: Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index option, and use skinless chicken breast to reduce overall fat content.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to personalize heat intensity – use less for mild preference or add more for those who love a fiery kick.
• Meal Prep Magic: This chicken stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead dinners.

How to Serve Bourbon Chicken Copycat Style

• Tasty Rice Bed: Spread fluffy white or brown rice on a large platter, creating a warm base that soaks up the delicious bourbon sauce perfectly.
• Veggie Companion Plate: Pair the chicken with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed snap peas to add color, nutrition, and a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Protein Power Combo: Enhance the dish by serving alongside a small side of egg rolls, spring rolls, or crispy wontons for extra texture and Asian-inspired flavor variety.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of sriracha for a restaurant-quality presentation that adds visual appeal and extra zesty kick.

Keep Bourbon Chicken Tasting Fresh for Later

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of preparation, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, which maintain quality for up to 3 months without losing flavor intensity.
• Reheating Method: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and restore sauce consistency, stirring occasionally for even heating.
• Meal Prep Approach: Prepare chicken and sauce separately, storing components in different containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy results when reassembling later.

Saucy Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent bourbon chicken emerges as a savory homage to New Orleans street cuisine. Rich flavors meld tender meat with a sweet-tangy glaze that pulls diners into culinary memories you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• ½ cup (118 ml) bourbon (or apple juice)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (118 ml) water
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water (for cornstarch mixture)
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• white rice or fried rice
• green onions, sliced
• sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Dust chicken pieces with cornstarch to create a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
2. Searing Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then strategically place chicken to achieve a deep caramelized crust, cooking for 5-6 minutes until thoroughly done.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Remove chicken and quickly sauté minced garlic in the same skillet, releasing its intense fragrance.
4. Sauce Creation: Combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water directly into the skillet, simmering to allow alcohol to evaporate and flavors to harmonize for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Thickening Process: Incorporate a cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring consistently to develop a glossy, rich consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
6. Final Integration: Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious sauce and warming through for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Presentation: Plate the Bourbon Chicken atop steamed rice, adorning with freshly chopped green onions and a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds for enhanced visual and textural appeal.

Notes

• Cornstarch Coating Technique: Lightly dust chicken with cornstarch to create a delicate, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and provides a golden-brown finish.
• Searing Secret: Ensure skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve perfect caramelization and develop deep, rich flavor notes without burning.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent clumping and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Dietary Adaptation Tip: Swap bourbon with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version, or use gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg