This Mall Food Court Bourbon Chicken copycat recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into saucy, sticky, bourbon-infused heaven. Ready in about 30 minutes, this stir-fried chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. No need to go to the food court at the mall - make it at home instead!
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Food Court Bourbon Chicken Recipe
This chicken dish is so good that you'll want to add it to your dinner rotation. The first time I made it, I cooked it two times in a row because my family loved it!
The chicken is tender and coated in a sweet sauce, similar to bourbon chicken from the mall food court, but better. Whenever I get a craving for Chinese food, I make this recipe! I love to serve it with Instant Pot Egg Drop Soup for a complete meal!
- Family favorite ready in 30 minutes - perfect for busy weeknights.
- The same mall food court flavor without leaving your house, you'll love the sweet bourbon sauce.
- Even kids will love it - use apple juice if you are worried about alcohol remaining.
- Makes delicious leftovers - great for meal prep.
Looking for more homemade Chinese food recipes? Check out Panda Express Beef and Broccoli, Creamy Coconut Shrimp, Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, and Salt and Pepper Chicken.
Reader Review
This Bourbon Chicken recipe is so easy to make. My whole family loved it, this will become our weekly special!
- Marina
Ingredients for 5 Star Bourbon Chicken Recipe
This sticky Bourbon Chicken is made with ingredients you likely already have at home:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs. I used thighs as they are juicy and flavorful. You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Bourbon. This is the key ingredient - use your favorite bourbon whiskey. You can also substitute apple juice.
- Brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will make the sauce richer, while light brown sugar will make it milder. You can also use coconut sugar or your favorite sugar substitute.
- Soy sauce. Use Tamari or coconut aminos instead.
- Apple cider vinegar. Use white vinegar or rice vinegar instead.
- Vegetable oil. Use olive oil, sesame oil, or peanut oil instead.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
How To Make Mall Food Court Bourbon Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat (Image 1).
Step 2: Cook chicken. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Cook in batches if needed (Image 2).
Step 3. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine Bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and fresh ginger. (Image 3).
Step 4. Combine and cook. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will turn into a sticky glaze (Image 4).
Step 5. Serve. Serve tender bourbon chicken over white rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onion or sesame seeds if desired.
Top Tips for the Best Bourbon Chicken
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks at the same rate and gets that perfect golden sear.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in cornstarch - it helps create those crispy edges and thickens the sauce later.
- Don't crowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
- Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference, but if you're short on time, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon ground ginger instead.
- Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken and get sticky - that signature mall-style gloss comes from reducing it just enough, not rushing it.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve many sides alongside this Bourbon chicken, but here are some of my favorites:
Jasmine or Basmati Rice. A fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice is perfect for soaking up the rich bourbon sauce. I use my Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.
Vegetable Stir-Fry. A colorful stir-fry of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots.
Noodles. Use lo mein, udon, or rice noodles.
Cauliflower Rice. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great choice. I like to roast it in the oven until it starts to turn brown.
Steamed Bok Choy or Spinach. Lightly steamed bok choy or spinach seasoned with garlic complements this chicken nicely.
Fried Rice. Serve the chicken over a bed of fried rice packed with peas, carrots, and an egg.
Variations
- Spicy - Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
- Slow Cooker. To make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, first, brown the chicken. Then, put the chicken in the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Extra veggies - Add steamed broccoli, green beans, snow peas, or bell peppers.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead.
Yes, this recipe scales easily. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if doubling the recipe.
Bourbon chicken is a delicious stir-fried chicken dish named for Bourbon Street in New Orleans. No one knows for sure, but some think it is named for the recipe created by a Chinese restaurant on Bourbon Street. Regardless, it is now famous and commonly served in the Food Court at your local mall.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Store individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge the night before.
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Printable Recipe
Food Court Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped, for garnish optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish optional
For the Bourbon Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Bourbon
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
Instructions
- Mix ¼ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned, 8-10 minutes. Cook in batches if needed.
- Whisk together 3 tablespoon Bourbon, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger in a small bowl.
- Pour the Bourbon sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat. Cook 2-3 minutes more, until the sauce is heated and thickened.
- Serve chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
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Notes
- The chicken cooks quickly. Stir often to prevent burning.
- If adding vegetables, add them in the final 3 minutes of cooking to keep them crisp.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Swathi says
Love this food court bourbon chicken looks delicious. I need to try this.
deborah says
I made this with Gardein chickn strips. Came out sooo good.
Jeri Walker says
I'm glad you liked it! 🙂
Lathiya says
The flavor of the bourbon chicken was spot on and I loved the fact that the dish gets ready in 30 minutes.
Jeri Walker says
Thank you so much- I'm glad you liked it! 🙂
Marina Shalneva says
This Bourbon Chicken recipe is so easy to make. My whole family loved it, this will become our weekly special thank you for the recipe!
Jeri Walker says
Thanks Marina! I'm glad you liked it! 🙂
DK Park says
The meat is so tender and it looks delicious. I can't wait to make this for my family. I am sure they will love this!
Alexandra says
I think I have just found my new favourite chicken dish! Oh that sauce is so sticky and delicious, and the chicken came out perfectly tender. I served with some steamed rice and broccoli and yum!
Jeri Walker says
Thanks Alexandra! I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂