Copycat Bourbon Chicken Recipe – Better Than Restaurant Quality

Bourbon Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Inspired by the classic Southern recipe, this version is lighter without compromising on the rich, bold flavors you love. The delicious sauce made from bourbon, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating a dish that’s perfect over rice or served with steamed vegetables. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or looking for a tasty meal to impress guests, this Bourbon Chicken is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Flavorful: The combination of bourbon and soy sauce gives the dish a deep, savory sweetness.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with a side of veggies for a complete meal.
Lighter Version: A balanced approach that maintains all the flavor without being overly heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or sugar substitute)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1/4 tsp ginger, ground
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Bourbon Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Carefully add the bourbon, allowing it to cook off for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Thicken the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
2. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir until it thickens to a glossy consistency (about 2 minutes).
3. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well-glazed.

Serve and Garnish:

1. Serve the bourbon chicken over rice, noodles, or with your favorite vegetables.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250 | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 30g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar or sugar substitute to taste.
Bourbon Substitution: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or a small amount of chicken broth.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened to your liking.

Why This Recipe Works

• Rich, Bold Flavors: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a deep and complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Quick & Simple: The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Balanced Sweetness: The brown sugar adds sweetness without overwhelming the dish, creating a perfect harmony with the savory elements.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat, sweetness, and thickness of the sauce to suit your personal preferences.

This Bourbon Chicken recipe brings the irresistible flavors of a Southern classic into a lighter, more accessible version. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements, this dish is guaranteed to be a favorite. Whether served over rice or paired with a crisp salad, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy every bite!