Food Court Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Food Court Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe is an amazing way to experience the classic mall food court dish right at home. The delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, paired with tender chicken, creates a dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Many have fallen in love with this comforting meal, often reminiscing about indulging in it during shopping trips or family outings. Recreating this culinary delight effortlessly in your own kitchen can bring those beloved memories back and delight those around you.
If you’ve had the chance to enjoy Bourbon Chicken from your favorite food court, you know how addictive it can be. The sweet bourbon glaze, combined with tender pieces of chicken, offers a unique flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe invites you into the aromatic world of Asian flavors and gives you an opportunity to modify it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this incredible copycat recipe will surely impress.
In this article, we will delve into what makes Food Court Bourbon Chicken so wonderful, explore the preparation and cooking times, provide you with a detailed ingredient list, and share step-by-step instructions to ensure your success. Let’s unlock the secrets of this ultimate recipe and delve into the reasons why it is a must-try in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cooking at home can be both satisfying and economical. With Food Court Bourbon Chicken, you’ll discover several reasons to indulge in this delightful dish:
1. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows even novice cooks to create a delicious meal.
2. Rich Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon creates an irresistible glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.
3. Customizable Options: Feel free to include vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Quick Meal: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays.
5. Family-Favorite: The sweet and savory taste is appealing to both adults and children, making it a hit at the dinner table.
6. Affordable Ingredients: Most ingredients are easily found in your local grocery store, making it budget-friendly.
Overall, Food Court Bourbon Chicken provides a wonderful meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating this delicious dish requires only a short amount of time. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation and cooking process:
– Preparation Time: 10 minutes
– Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
These times may vary depending on your kitchen skills, but this framework should serve as a good estimate.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon bourbon
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s break down the steps to create your very own Food Court Bourbon Chicken:
1. Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes. If time allows, marinating longer enhances the flavor.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken, allowing it to cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes. This helps to get a nice sear on one side.
4. Stir Fry: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken your sauce.
6. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the marinade over the cooked chicken. Bring it to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
7. Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Bourbon Chicken with rice or noodles.

How to Serve

To fully enjoy your Food Court Bourbon Chicken, consider the following serving suggestions:
1. Over Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
2. With Noodles: Pair with lo mein or soba noodles for a delicious twist. Toss the noodles in the sauce for added flavor.
3. Vegetable Sides: Add a side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to create a well-rounded meal.
4. Garnish: Enhance the dish’s visual appeal by garnishing with additional green onions and sesame seeds.
5. Casual Presentation: Serve in a bowl for a casual meal or on a plate for a more formal dining experience.
By serving the Food Court Bourbon Chicken thoughtfully, you’ll create an appealing meal that’s bound to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful delight and savor every bite!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavors significantly. Choose quality staples for the best results.
– Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a bit more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
– Experiment with Marinade Time: Marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes can deepen the flavor, up to 2 hours for an even more robust taste.
– Serve with Crispy Elements: For an added texture contrast, consider serving with crispy fried onions or crushed nuts on top.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to customize this delicious dish to suit your taste buds. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
1. Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add pineapple chunks to the marinade for a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
2. Bourbon Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp in this recipe. Cook shrimp until just pink to avoid overcooking.
3. Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Ensure to press the tofu for the best texture before marinating.
4. Different Sweeteners: Experiment with honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-4 days.
– Freezing: This dish freezes well. Package in suitable portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce moist.

Special Equipment

To prepare this Food Court Bourbon Chicken effectively, consider having the following kitchen tools:
– A large skillet or wok for cooking the chicken.
– Medium mixing bowl for marinating the chicken.
– Small bowl for mixing the cornstarch slurry.
– Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient measurements.
– A spatula for stirring and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can work well, but they may be slightly less tender than thighs. Adjust cooking times as necessary.

What can I serve with Bourbon Chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Stir-fried vegetables also make a nutritious side.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook it fresh when ready to serve.

Is it necessary to use bourbon?

While bourbon gives the dish its signature flavor, you can replace it with apple cider or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version. The dish will still be delicious.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free without losing flavor.

Conclusion

The Food Court Bourbon Chicken Copycat Recipe is a delightful recreation that brings the beloved mall food experience into your own kitchen. Its blend of sweet and savory flavors paired with tender, juicy chicken makes it a hit for any occasion. Simplicity in preparation along with its heartwarming taste ensures this dish will please family and friends alike. Enjoy the flavors of your favorite food court experience and savor the memories that come with every bite.