Why make this recipe

Bourbon Chicken is a popular meal you often find in food courts. It’s sweet, savory, and a little spicy, making it a favorite for many. This copycat recipe gives you the chance to enjoy this dish at home, saving you a trip to the mall. You can customize it to your taste and serve it fresh right from your kitchen.

How to make Food Court Bourbon Chicken

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
3-4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, pat them dry with paper towels, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside 1/3 of this mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, giving space between pieces, for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Return all the chicken to the pan and add the 2/3 portion of the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir the cornstarch slurry and add it to the pan while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a shiny consistency.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and optional sesame seeds, and serve hot over steamed rice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to serve Food Court Bourbon Chicken

Serve Bourbon Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or with fried rice. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables to complete your meal. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds adds a nice touch.

How to store Food Court Bourbon Chicken

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water to keep the chicken moist.

Tips to make Food Court Bourbon Chicken

Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Let the sauce simmer longer for a richer flavor if you have time.

variation

For a healthier twist, you can replace chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you want to add some color and nutrition, toss in some bell peppers or snow peas during the cooking process.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to be juicier.

2. Is there a substitute for apple juice?
You can use pineapple juice or orange juice as alternatives for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I make this dish less sweet?
Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe or balance it with a bit more soy sauce for a saltier flavor.