Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from the culinary traditions of New Orleans. Despite its name, this dish does not traditionally contain bourbon whiskey in large amounts; instead, it refers to a style of chicken that is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, often served over rice. The name “Bourbon Chicken” is thought to derive from Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, but some sources also attribute it to the Bourbon Chicken stall in the Mall of Louisiana.

This dish is beloved for its tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, savory sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. It’s easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy this popular takeout dish without leaving the comfort of your kitchen.

In this detailed guide, we will explore the history of Bourbon Chicken, break down the ingredients, provide a step-by-step recipe, and share tips for customizing and serving this mouthwatering dish.

The History of Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is an American dish, and its origins can be traced back to Chinese-American cuisine. It became popular in the 1990s, particularly in mall food courts where it was often served with fried rice and vegetables. The dish gained its name from Bourbon Street, a famous area in New Orleans known for its vibrant nightlife and rich culinary heritage.

While some recipes suggest that bourbon whiskey was originally used in the sauce, many versions of the dish do not include alcohol at all. Instead, the dish gets its signature flavor from a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and various spices, resulting in a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This will help them cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the marinade.
2. Make the Marinade:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the cornstarch is well incorporated.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
2. Add the Chicken:
   Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later). Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the Chicken:
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Add Sauce Ingredients:
   In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce:
   Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it thickens further.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken:
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce thoroughly.
2. Simmer Together:
   Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve the Bourbon Chicken

1. Plate the Dish:
   Serve the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of cooked rice.
2. Garnish:
   Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
3. Enjoy:
   Enjoy your homemade Bourbon Chicken while hot!

Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Chicken

1. Marinate for Flavor:
   Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) will help the flavors penetrate the meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in flavor. If possible, avoid using jarred garlic or ginger for the best results.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
   When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
4. Adjust the Sauce:
   If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. For a tangier sauce, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.
5. Add Vegetables:
   Feel free to add vegetables to the dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are excellent additions that will complement the flavors and add nutrition.
6. Serve Immediately:
   Bourbon Chicken is best served hot and fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Variations of Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken is highly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Spicy Bourbon Chicken:
   Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
2. Pineapple Bourbon Chicken:
   Add pineapple chunks to the skillet while the chicken simmers in the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
3. Mango Bourbon Chicken:
   Incorporate diced mango into the dish for a tropical flavor profile that pairs well with the sweetness of the sauce.
4. Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry:
   Turn this dish into a stir-fry by adding a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Serve over rice or noodles.
5. Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken:
   For a hands-off approach, cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker with the sauce on low for 4-6 hours. This method will yield tender, flavorful chicken.
6. Bourbon Chicken Skewers:
   Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill them for a smoky flavor. Brush with extra sauce while grilling for added glaze.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Bourbon Chicken (without rice):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Bourbon Chicken is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Steamed Rice:
   The classic pairing with Bourbon Chicken is steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the savory sauce and complements the dish perfectly.
2. Fried Rice:
   For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over fried rice. This adds texture and flavor, making it even more satisfying.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry:
   A side of stir-fried vegetables adds color, crunch, and nutrition to your plate. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are excellent choices.
4. Egg Rolls:
   Serve alongside crispy egg rolls for a complete Asian-inspired feast. These make a great appetizer or side dish.
5. Salad:
   A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

Bourbon Chicken is a beloved dish that brings together a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and aromas. Whether you’re recreating a mall food court favorite or impressing guests at a dinner party, this easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy Bourbon Chicken in the comfort of your home.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and customize the dish to suit your taste. With its sweet and savory glaze, tender chicken, and versatility in serving options, Bourbon Chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.

So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy this delicious homemade Bourbon Chicken. Happy cooking!

Yield: 4

Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe

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Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from the culinary traditions of New Orleans. Despite its name, this dish does not traditionally contain bourbon whiskey in large amounts; instead, it refers to a style of chicken that is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, often served over rice. The name “Bourbon Chicken” is thought to derive from Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, but some sources also attribute it to the Bourbon Chicken stall in the Mall of Louisiana.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Serve:

Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

• For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
• This dish can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.