Ever stroll through the food court and get pulled in by that sweet, sticky aroma drifting from the bourbon chicken counter? Yeah, you know the one — that glossy, tender chicken piled over rice, so good you promise yourself just one more bite. But those trips can add up fast — both in dollars and calories.
What if you could skip the takeout line and whip up homemade bourbon chicken in your own kitchen? This mall bourbon chicken copycat recipe hits all the right notes — sweet, savory, and downright irresistible — with simple ingredients and zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love Making Bourbon Chicken at Home
Save Money, Eat Better
Let’s be real: food court meals are fun but pricey. Cooking bourbon chicken yourself costs a fraction of what you’d spend at the mall, and you can control exactly what goes in — no mystery ingredients, no greasy aftertaste.
Did you know? According to Forbes, Americans spend over $1,200 a year on takeout lunches alone. Imagine the savings when you master a few copycat recipes at home.
Same Crave-Worthy Taste, Healthier Twist
This homemade bourbon chicken stays true to the classic flavors — that sticky-sweet glaze, the tender chicken bites, the hint of garlic and soy — but you can tweak it to fit your diet. Want it a bit lighter? Cut the sugar. Watching sodium? Use low-sodium soy sauce. It’s your kitchen — your rules.
Ingredients for the Best Mall Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe
You won’t need anything fancy. In fact, you probably have most of this on hand already.
You’ll need:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium works great)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or honey for a twist)
- ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice for a no-alcohol option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How to Make Bourbon Chicken: Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through — about 5–7 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3️⃣ Simmer:
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Thicken:
Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken nicely.
5️⃣ Serve:
Serve hot over fluffy rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions if you like.
Handy Tools to Make Bourbon Chicken Foolproof
Check out these essentials that make cooking this homemade bourbon chicken even easier:
| Tool | Purpose | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstick Skillet | Even cooking, easy cleanup | Prevents sticking and burning |
| Whisk | Mixes sauce ingredients smoothly | No lumps, consistent texture |
| Meat Thermometer | Checks doneness of chicken | Ensures safe, juicy results |
| Rice Cooker | Perfect rice every time | Hands-free side dish |
| Airtight Containers | Store leftovers for meal prep | Keeps chicken fresh for days |
Tips for Nailing This Bourbon Chicken Every Time
✅ Use Chicken Thighs: They’re juicier and more forgiving than breasts — perfect for soaking up that delicious glaze.
✅ Swap Bourbon if Needed: Don’t want alcohol? Apple juice or chicken broth works too!
✅ Balance Sweetness: Too sweet for your taste? Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick.
Real-Life Example: My Takeout Swap Challenge
When I first tried this recipe, I decided to compare costs. Takeout bourbon chicken with rice for two: about $20. Homemade version? Under $8 for the same portion — plus leftovers for lunch. Tastes just as good (better, if you ask my husband) and I knew exactly what I was feeding my family.
FAQs About Homemade Bourbon Chicken
1️⃣ What does bourbon chicken taste like?
It’s sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, with a rich sauce that coats every bite. Think teriyaki, but bolder.
2️⃣ Can you make bourbon chicken without bourbon?
Yes! Apple juice, chicken broth, or even pineapple juice are tasty swaps that keep the sweetness.
3️⃣ Is mall bourbon chicken really made with bourbon?
Funny enough, many mall versions skip the actual bourbon and stick to a sweet soy glaze. Adding real bourbon at home gives extra depth.
4️⃣ Can I meal prep bourbon chicken?
Absolutely — it reheats beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
5️⃣ What’s the best rice to serve with it?
White jasmine rice or sticky short-grain rice is classic. For a low-carb swap, try cauliflower rice.
6️⃣ How do you reheat leftover bourbon chicken?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
7️⃣ Is bourbon chicken spicy?
Not really — it’s more sweet than spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like heat.
Try It and Tell Me How Yours Turns Out!
So next time that sweet, saucy aroma tempts you at the mall, remember: you can make homemade bourbon chicken just as good (or better!) right at home. Give it a shot this week and let me know how it goes — did you tweak the sauce? Add extra spice? Drop your questions, tips, or your own mall copycat hacks in the comments below — I’d love to hear them!
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