Go Back

Bourbon Chicken Copycat

This Bourbon Chicken Copycat recipe delivers the rich, glossy, sweet-savory flavor you love from mall-style Asian restaurants. Tender chicken bites simmer in a sticky bourbon-infused glaze with garlic, ginger, soy, and brown sugar. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for weeknight chicken meals, family dinners, or when you crave easy Asian recipes at home. Serve it over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a comforting and satisfying dish inspired by your favorite takeout classics.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Bourbon Sauce
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup apple juice or pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp bourbon optional but recommended
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water slurry
  • For Serving
  • Steamed rice or fried rice
  • Green onions chopped
  • Sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Coat the Chicken:
  2. In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
  3. Sear the Chicken:
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce:
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, bourbon, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper.
  7. Simmer:
  8. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5–7 minutes until flavors blend.
  9. Thicken the Sauce:
  10. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and coats the chicken.
  11. Finish:
  12. Remove from heat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  13. Serve:
  14. Spoon the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

No Alcohol Option: Replace bourbon with extra apple juice or chicken broth.
Chicken Options: Chicken thighs give the juiciest result, but chicken breasts work well too.
Extra Sticky Sauce: Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to make the glaze even thicker.
Make It Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a drizzle of sriracha.
Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Pairs well with chinese fried rice, veggies, or lo mein noodles.