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+ servings
Food Court Bourbon Chicken

Savory Food Court Bourbon Chicken Made Easy at Home

This Food Court Bourbon Chicken recipe combines rich flavors and nostalgic memories for a quick and delicious meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup bourbon or apple juice key ingredient for signature depth
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar adjust to taste for sweetness
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce low-sodium option available
  • 3 cloves garlic fresh or powdered
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar white or rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adjust for heat preference
To Serve
  • 4 cups rice white or fried rice recommended
  • garnishes chopped green onions or sesame seeds, optional

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • spatula
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Food Court Bourbon Chicken
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, reserving the marinade for later. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Pour the reserved marinade into the hot skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to release any flavorful bits stuck on the surface. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Bourbon Chicken immediately over rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste, and consider adding vegetables for variation.

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