Can I make this recipe without skewers?

Absolutely! Skip the skewers entirely and stir-fry the chicken pieces in a wok or large skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until done, then toss with the sauce and reduce until thick and glossy.

Why is it called bourbon chicken if there's no bourbon in it?

The dish was allegedly created on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, hence the name! While some variations do include bourbon, the original food court version typically relies on apple juice for sweetness instead.

Can I substitute the apple juice for something else?

Yes, pineapple juice makes an excellent substitute and adds a tropical twist. For a less sweet version, you can use chicken broth with a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your ketchup is gluten-free (most are), and you're all set for a delicious gluten-free meal!

Food Court Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Name: Food Court Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 heaping teaspoon grated garlic clove; 1 heaping teaspoon grated ginger; 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup apple juice; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup (or Sriracha ketchup for a spicier option); 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (make a slurry by diluting with 2 teaspoons of water); 2 lbs chicken tenders (thighs or breasts also work); Sesame seeds, for topping

This Food Court Bourbon Chicken will transport you straight to your favorite mall food court—but trust me, this homemade version is infinitely better! Tender chunks of chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce with just the right hint of spice create a dish that’s irresistibly delicious. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mall Food Court Nostalgia: All the delicious flavor of food court bourbon chicken without having to brave the crowds or pay food court prices.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer air frying, baking, or grilling, this recipe has you covered with detailed instructions for each method.
Family-Friendly: The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will please even picky eaters, while still offering enough complexity for adult palates.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared in advance, making dinner assembly lightning-fast when you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: Tenders are specified, but thighs or breasts work beautifully too. Thighs will give you more moisture and flavor, while breast meat offers a leaner option.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic powerhouses form the flavor foundation of the sauce. Fresh is always best—the pre-minced stuff just doesn’t compare!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat that balances the sweetness. Adjust to your spice preference.
Apple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle fruit undertone that’s characteristic of authentic bourbon chicken (despite the name, traditional bourbon chicken often doesn’t contain bourbon!).
Brown Sugar: Delivers that signature caramelized sweetness that makes this dish so addictive.
Ketchup: Adds tanginess and body to the sauce. The recipe suggests trying Sriracha ketchup for an extra kick.
Cider Vinegar: Provides essential acidity that balances the sweet elements and brightens all the flavors.
Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and umami depth to round out the flavor profile.
Cornstarch: The thickening agent that transforms the sauce from watery to glossy and clingy—exactly what you want for coating the chicken.
Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish that adds visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicier

Double the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sambal oelek or sriracha directly to the sauce for a fiery version that will wake up your taste buds.

Add Vegetables

Transform this into a complete meal by adding stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and onions tossed in the same delicious sauce.

Pineapple Bourbon Chicken

Add 1/2 cup of diced pineapple to the sauce while it’s simmering for a tropical twist that complements the flavors beautifully.

Actual Bourbon Version

For adults who want the real deal, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce while it’s simmering. The alcohol will cook out, leaving behind a complex caramel flavor.

How to Make Food Court Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, grated garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a low boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

Once boiling, whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with 1-2 teaspoons water) into the sauce, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

While the sauce cools, cut your chicken into 3-inch chunks and place in a zip-top bag or bowl. Add 1/3 cup of the cooled sauce and massage it into the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Divide the remaining sauce into two containers—one for basting uncooked chicken and one for basting cooked chicken.

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

If using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them fairly close together.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken (Air Fryer Method)

Place the skewers in your air fryer basket (you’ll likely need to cook in batches). Cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes total, flipping and basting with fresh sauce every 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate, give them a final baste with the clean sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot alongside rice or your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Basting: Frequent basting is key to building those delicious layers of flavor and achieving the shiny, caramelized exterior.
Use Two Sauce Containers: This isn’t just food safety theater—keeping a separate container for cooked chicken basting prevents dangerous cross-contamination.
Chicken Size Matters: Cut chicken pieces to a uniform size (about 3 inches) to ensure even cooking throughout.
Watch for Hot Spots: If using an air fryer, be aware that many models have hotter zones. Rotating the skewers during cooking helps achieve even browning.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this bourbon chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that wonderful sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully too.

Side Dish Suggestions

A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet-savory chicken. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans also complement this dish perfectly.

Complete the Meal

For an authentic food court experience, serve alongside some vegetable lo mein or crab rangoon for a feast that’s better than takeout!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the sauce permeates the meat even more.

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well. Place cooled chicken (removed from skewers) in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze any unused sauce separately in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or additional sauce to keep it moist. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without skewers?

Absolutely! Skip the skewers entirely and stir-fry the chicken pieces in a wok or large skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until done, then toss with the sauce and reduce until thick and glossy.
Why is it called bourbon chicken if there’s no bourbon in it?

The dish was allegedly created on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, hence the name! While some variations do include bourbon, the original food court version typically relies on apple juice for sweetness instead.
Can I substitute the apple juice for something else?

Yes, pineapple juice makes an excellent substitute and adds a tropical twist. For a less sweet version, you can use chicken broth with a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your ketchup is gluten-free (most are), and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free meal!

Final Thoughts

This Food Court Bourbon Chicken brings home all the flavors you crave from mall food courts, but with ingredients you can feel good about. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with just the right amount of stickiness that makes you want to lick your fingers. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe is bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation!