bourbon chicken mall style

Dinners

If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling food court, chances are the scent of sweet, garlicky bourbon chicken pulled you in. That glossy, golden glaze coating juicy chicken bites isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a crave-worthy classic.

Bourbon chicken mall style in takeout tray

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!
SAVE THIS!
Classic mall-style bourbon chicken with glossy glaze

In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate bourbon chicken mall style at home, no wok required. You’ll get the flavor-packed marinade, that shiny, sticky glaze, and all the little tricks that make it taste just like the food court favorite. Plus, we’ll answer common questions, give you tips for substitutions, and show you the best ways to serve it. Let’s get cooking.

Why This Dish Brings Back Food Court Memories

Growing up, the food court was the highlight of every mall trip. I still remember standing in front of those hot trays of saucy chicken while the sizzling aroma drifted through the air. It was always the same order: bourbon chicken over fluffy white rice with a toothpick sample in hand before I even paid. That glossy glaze and tender chicken had a magic no other dish could match. It was sweet but savory, bold yet comforting. Recreating that mall-style bourbon chicken in my own kitchen felt like bringing a little slice of childhood right to the dinner table.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly approachable. No deep-frying or special equipment—just basic pantry staples and a skillet. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy. That’s why I keep coming back to it when I want something fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to please the whole family.

If you love meals that combine comfort with big flavor, you might also enjoy my crispy sweet chili chicken or this rich and cozy chicken cobbler casserole. They share that same weeknight-friendly ease while delivering on taste.

Ingredients for bourbon chicken mall styleSAVE THIS!
Prep for bourbon chicken starts with simple pantry staples

What Makes Bourbon Chicken Mall Style?

It’s All About That Glaze

What really sets bourbon chicken mall style apart is its unmistakable glaze—thick, glossy, and packed with bold flavor. It’s not just sweet and sticky; it’s layered. You’ve got brown sugar and soy sauce for depth, garlic for punch, ginger for warmth, and a dash of apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice to brighten it up. A good glaze clings to every bite, forming that lacquered finish you see in mall takeout trays.

The magic happens when you reduce the sauce just right. It thickens as it cooks down, creating that syrupy coating. Cornstarch plays a huge role here. By making a quick slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and stirring it in at the end, you lock in that silky texture without it getting overly gloopy.

One trick I swear by? Let the sauce simmer just until it starts bubbling in the center of the pan, then stir constantly. This helps prevent clumps and ensures that classic shine. It’s a small move that makes a big difference in how the chicken looks and tastes.

Bourbon chicken cooking processSAVE THIS!
Cooking bourbon chicken mall style at home

The Role of Cornstarch and Soy

If you’ve ever wondered why mall-style bourbon chicken always has that thick, glassy sauce, the answer is a balance of cornstarch and soy. Soy sauce delivers umami and saltiness, but light soy is usually best here to keep the flavor smooth and not too briny. Cornstarch, meanwhile, is what gives that sauce its body. Skip it, and you’ll end up with a thin glaze that slides right off.

For a variation that plays with bold sauces, check out my birria chicken tacos—the slow-cooked, spice-packed flavors contrast perfectly with this fast stir-fry. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, my smash burger taco on the grill delivers that same food court-meets-comfort food vibe.

Cooking Bourbon Chicken Without Fancy Tools

No Wok? No Problem

While mall-style bourbon chicken is often stir-fried in high-heat woks behind the counter, you don’t need restaurant gear to get it right at home. A large nonstick skillet or even a cast-iron pan works just fine. The key is using high heat and cooking in batches if needed. Crowding the pan leads to steaming, and steamed chicken won’t give you that lightly browned texture we’re going for.

Start by searing the chicken cubes in a single layer. Let them sit for a minute or two before flipping—this gives a nice caramelized edge. Once the chicken is almost cooked through, pour in your sauce and simmer everything together until that glaze turns thick and sticky. That’s where the flavor locks in.

You can also use a sauté pan or even an electric skillet if you’re cooking for a crowd. Just avoid low heat—mall-style chicken depends on that fast cook and syrupy reduction. If the sauce isn’t bubbling, it’s not reducing properly.

Simplified Steps for Success

Bourbon chicken cooking processSAVE THIS!
Cooking bourbon chicken mall style at home

Bourbon chicken might taste complex, but the cooking process is refreshingly simple:

  1. Dice boneless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-size pieces.
  2. Sear them in oil over high heat.
  3. Whisk your sauce (soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar).
  4. Add to pan and simmer until thickened.
  5. Stir in cornstarch slurry to finish the glaze.

Want to add a twist? Try it with crispy rice or wrap it up like I do in my keto smash burger tacos—the combo of sweet chicken and savory crunch is irresistible. Or pair it with my creamy olive garden chicken crockpot pasta for a full mall-style dinner at home.

Bourbon chicken cooking processSAVE THIS!
Cooking bourbon chicken mall style at home

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

Customize It to Your Taste

One of the best things about making bourbon chicken mall style at home is how easy it is to tweak. Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce. Prefer it less sweet? Cut the brown sugar in half and add more vinegar or even orange juice for a tangy twist.

If you’re avoiding alcohol entirely, don’t worry—most mall versions don’t include real bourbon. But if you’re after a deeper flavor, a splash of actual bourbon (about 1–2 tablespoons) in the sauce can add warmth and complexity. Just simmer it long enough for the alcohol to cook off.

Bourbon chicken served with rice and broccoliSAVE THIS!
Serve your bourbon chicken with rice and fresh veggies

You can also swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a lighter take, skip the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce reduce naturally—it’ll still coat the chicken, just more lightly.

Perfect Sides and Plating

SAVE THIS!

Traditionally, this dish is served over white rice, but you’ve got options. Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles all soak up that sticky sauce beautifully. For low-carb versions, cauliflower rice works too. I love serving it with quick-steamed broccoli or a medley of stir-fried veggies for balance.

If you’re in the mood for a slightly indulgent pairing, try it with my savory fried chicken chips as a crispy appetizer, or follow with a light dessert like this banana oat milk shake to cool things down.

The presentation doesn’t have to be fancy. Just pile it over a warm bowl of rice, spoon extra sauce on top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. It looks (and tastes) just like the mall version—maybe better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bourbon chicken mall style?
Bourbon chicken mall style is a sweet, savory chicken dish often found in American food courts. It features tender, bite-sized chicken simmered in a glossy glaze made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Despite the name, it’s not traditionally made with bourbon, especially in mall versions.

Does mall-style bourbon chicken contain actual bourbon?
In most mall or takeout versions, no. The name is more of a nod to the dish’s origin—Bourbon Street in New Orleans. However, homemade recipes sometimes include a small splash of bourbon to deepen the flavor.

How do you get that glossy glaze in mall-style bourbon chicken?
The signature glossy glaze comes from reducing the sauce and adding a cornstarch slurry at the end. As the sauce thickens, it forms a shiny coating that clings to the chicken perfectly.

Can I make bourbon chicken mall style without a wok?
Absolutely. A large nonstick skillet or sauté pan works just as well. The key is to use high heat and avoid crowding the pan, which helps caramelize the chicken and thicken the sauce quickly.

Conclusion

Bourbon chicken mall style isn’t just a nostalgic dish—it’s a weeknight winner that brings bold, balanced flavor to your table without fuss. Whether you’re making it with pantry staples or dressing it up with bourbon or spice, this recipe offers flexibility and comfort all in one skillet. Next time you’re craving that mall food court classic, skip the line and make it yourself. Once you do, it’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Craving more delicious recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest for fresh, easy dinners and creative meal ideas:
👉 pinterest.com/dinnerscoop

Print

bourbon chicken mall style

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This bourbon chicken mall style recipe brings sweet, sticky, and savory flavors to your kitchen with easy steps and simple ingredients.

  • Author: Noura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes.

4. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and water.

5. Pour sauce into skillet and simmer 5 minutes.

6. Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, then stir into skillet.

7. Simmer 2–3 more minutes until sauce thickens and glazes chicken.

8. Serve hot over rice, garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.

Add chili flakes for heat if desired.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 810mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

You might also like this.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star