Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe – Sweet, Sticky, and Just Like the Food Court Favorite
Craving that bold, sweet-and-savory chicken from your favorite mall food court? You’re going to love this Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe! 🍗🔥 With tender chicken, a rich bourbon-infused glaze, and a balance of brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this dish is as comforting as it is crave-worthy.
Despite its name, Bourbon Chicken is more American-Chinese fusion than Southern barbecue — named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans. And while it’s commonly found at fast-casual food court chains like Panda Express or Asian Chao, it’s super easy to recreate at home.
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, easy to meal prep, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
Want more better-than-takeout recipes? Check out General Tso’s Chicken or Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl – for the sauce
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Pot or rice cooker – if serving with rice
- Optional: Wok, if you prefer high-heat stir-frying
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
Produce:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
Condiments:
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ¼ cup soy sauce use low-sodium if desired
- Baking & Spices:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Beer, Wine & Spirits:
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
Pasta & Grains:
- Cooked white rice for serving
🔁 Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 3: Simmer and Glaze
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glaze and coats the chicken evenly.
✅ Tip: If sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tbsp of water or chicken broth to loosen it.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of steamed rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, and if desired, sesame seeds or a lime wedge.
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. No-Bourbon Version
Swap bourbon for apple juice, orange juice, or extra broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. 2. Crispy Bourbon Chicken
Lightly dredge chicken in cornstarch before cooking for a crispy edge. 3. Bourbon Chicken Bowls
Build a bowl with rice, steamed broccoli, pickled onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. 4. Slow Cooker Version
Combine sauce and raw chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3, then thicken the sauce on the stovetop if needed. 5. Vegetarian Swap
Use tofu or cauliflower florets in place of chicken — pan-fry until crispy, then coat in sauce. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze cooled chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 60–90 seconds until hot. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does bourbon chicken actually contain bourbon?
Yes — traditionally it does. But you can substitute it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. 2. Will the alcohol cook off?
Yes — simmering allows the alcohol to mostly evaporate, leaving only flavor behind. 3. Can I make it without soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos or tamari for a soy-free alternative. 4. Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure other ingredients are GF-certified. 5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely — breasts are leaner but still flavorful in this dish. 6. Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly — red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted. 7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet or sauté in batches. 8. What’s the best bourbon to use?
Use a smooth, mid-range bourbon — nothing too expensive or harsh. 9. Can I use raw garlic and ginger?
Yes — substitute 1 tsp garlic powder with 2 fresh garlic cloves, and 1 tsp ground ginger with 1 tsp fresh grated ginger. 10. What sides go well with it?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, garlic green beans, or fried rice are all great choices. ✅ Conclusion
This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe is everything you love about food court comfort — sweet, savory, sticky, and completely satisfying. With a quick glaze that caramelizes around juicy chicken, it's a dish that tastes like takeout but comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Serve it over fluffy rice, load it into bowls, or pair with your favorite stir-fry veggies — however you plate it, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation. Craving more better-than-takeout recipes? Orange Chicken Stir-Fry Honey Sesame Chicken
1. No-Bourbon Version
Swap bourbon for apple juice, orange juice, or extra broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. 2. Crispy Bourbon Chicken
Lightly dredge chicken in cornstarch before cooking for a crispy edge. 3. Bourbon Chicken Bowls
Build a bowl with rice, steamed broccoli, pickled onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. 4. Slow Cooker Version
Combine sauce and raw chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3, then thicken the sauce on the stovetop if needed. 5. Vegetarian Swap
Use tofu or cauliflower florets in place of chicken — pan-fry until crispy, then coat in sauce. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze cooled chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 60–90 seconds until hot. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does bourbon chicken actually contain bourbon?
Yes — traditionally it does. But you can substitute it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. 2. Will the alcohol cook off?
Yes — simmering allows the alcohol to mostly evaporate, leaving only flavor behind. 3. Can I make it without soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos or tamari for a soy-free alternative. 4. Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure other ingredients are GF-certified. 5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely — breasts are leaner but still flavorful in this dish. 6. Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly — red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted. 7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet or sauté in batches. 8. What’s the best bourbon to use?
Use a smooth, mid-range bourbon — nothing too expensive or harsh. 9. Can I use raw garlic and ginger?
Yes — substitute 1 tsp garlic powder with 2 fresh garlic cloves, and 1 tsp ground ginger with 1 tsp fresh grated ginger. 10. What sides go well with it?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, garlic green beans, or fried rice are all great choices. ✅ Conclusion
This Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe is everything you love about food court comfort — sweet, savory, sticky, and completely satisfying. With a quick glaze that caramelizes around juicy chicken, it's a dish that tastes like takeout but comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Serve it over fluffy rice, load it into bowls, or pair with your favorite stir-fry veggies — however you plate it, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation. Craving more better-than-takeout recipes? Orange Chicken Stir-Fry Honey Sesame Chicken