Copycat Takeout Bourbon Chicken Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Bite-sized chicken pieces are pan seared and finished in a quick sauce that combines brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and spices.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: chicken, chinese

Servings:

Calories: 600kcal

Get Recipe Ingredients

Measure all of the sauce ingredients and spices.
Cut two pounds of chicken into bite sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch. Reserve the other tablespoon of cornstarch for later.
Set a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
Add half of the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's golden brown on both sides. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. Add more cooking oil if needed and cook the second half the chicken.
Remove the rest of the cooked chicken and set aside.
Add the bourbon and brown sugar to the pan. Bring the mixture up to a bubble and reduce to medium heat. Cook the bourbon and brown sugar mixture for 2 minutes.
Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, garlic, onion, and ginger. Stir the sauce well and bring it up to a bubble.
After the sauce has cooked for 5 minutes, add the chicken back in and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
If you want the sauce to be thicker, add 1 tablespoon of water to the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir it well and add the mixture to the bourbon chicken. Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes so the cornstarch can activate and thicken the sauce.
Turn off the heat and add a few drops of sesame oil if desired. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

*for the chicken, you can substitute chicken thighs or chicken tenders if you prefer