Taste the food court classic: easy steps to replicate mall bourbon chicken

Craving that irresistible bourbon chicken from the mall food court? No need to trek to the mall anymore! With our easy-to-follow guide, you can recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the secret recipe that will transport you back to the golden age of mall food.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup bourbon
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the prepared bourbon sauce until evenly coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken:

• Use dark meat chicken: Dark meat chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, will result in a more flavorful and juicy dish.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey accordingly.
• Serve with your favorite sides: Bourbon chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, broccoli, or carrots.

Variations:

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Honey Garlic Bourbon Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweeter and more garlicky flavor.
• Orange Bourbon Chicken: Replace the rice vinegar with orange juice for a citrusy twist.

Final Thoughts

With this simple recipe, you can now enjoy the mall food court classic, bourbon chicken, anytime you crave it. Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and indulge in the nostalgic flavors of the mall food court without leaving your home.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.

Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol?
A: Yes, you can use other types of alcohol in the sauce, such as whiskey, rum, or brandy. However, bourbon will give you the most authentic mall food court flavor.