Food Court Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Bourbon Chicken is a deliciously savory and slightly sweet dish inspired by popular food court flavors. This recipe uses tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful bourbon and soy sauce glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 LB chicken thighs, skinless
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (about 4 turns on the pepper mill)
• 1/3 Cup soy sauce
• 1/3 Cup bourbon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
4. Step 4: Pour in the soy sauce and bourbon, stirring gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water and add to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Add a touch of honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
• Serve with steamed rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent the chicken from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with whiskey or even brandy, though the flavor will vary slightly. Avoid using light spirits like vodka as they lack the rich notes that complement this dish.

Is it safe to cook with alcohol?

Cooking with alcohol is safe because most of it evaporates during the cooking process, especially when simmering. However, some residual alcohol may remain depending on cooking time and method.

Food Court Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 111 reviews

This Food Court Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers the sweet and savory flavors of the popular dish you find at malls, made right at home. The juicy chicken thighs are infused with a rich bourbon-soy glaze, complemented by warm spices like ground ginger and garlic powder. Perfect for a quick stovetop meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs chicken thighs, skinless
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (approximately 4 turns on a pepper mill)

Sauce

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup Bourbon whiskey

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, sprinkle the chicken evenly with ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper to ensure a well-seasoned base flavor.
2. Heat the Olive Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. This will prevent sticking and help brown the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Sear on one side without moving them until nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned as well, approximately another 5 minutes.
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour 1/3 cup soy sauce and 1/3 cup bourbon over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all pieces and dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which adds flavor.
5. Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and become glossy, while the chicken cooks through and absorbs the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Check for Doneness: Verify that the chicken thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
7. Serve: Once cooked and sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Serve the bourbon chicken hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat and even cooking.
• Adjust bourbon quantity if you prefer less alcohol flavor or when cooking for children.
• If you don’t have ground ginger, fresh grated ginger can be used but reduce quantity by half.
• This dish pairs excellently with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
• The sauce can be thickened further by simmering longer or by mixing a small amount of cornstarch slurry and stirring it in during the last few minutes.

Keywords: bourbon chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, bourbon sauce chicken, food court chicken copycat