Panda Express Bourbon Chicken Recipe

There’s nothing I love more than recreating my favorite takeout meals right in my own kitchen, and this Panda Express Bourbon Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner.

The first time I made it, the whole house filled with that incredible sweet and savory aroma, and I knew it was going to be good.

The chicken gets perfectly crispy before being tossed in a sticky, glossy sauce that tastes just like the one from the restaurant.

It’s surprisingly simple to pull together, and honestly, seeing my family’s faces light up when I serve this makes the little bit of effort totally worth it. It’s now a regular in our dinner rotation.

Ingredients

This section breaks down everything you need to create that signature sweet and savory bourbon chicken flavor at home.

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: I highly recommend thighs because they stay incredibly juicy and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: This is the secret to getting that light, crispy coating on the chicken that holds onto the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A basic but essential flavor enhancer for the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, earthy spice to contrast the sweet sauce.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying the chicken until golden brown.

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons grated ginger: Fresh ginger is a must for that warm, pungent flavor; don’t substitute with powder.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a savory depth that powdered versions just can’t match.
• ⅓ cup Bourbon: A mid-range bourbon like Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark works perfectly, adding a complex, oaky sweetness.
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Using low-sodium gives you control over the saltiness while still providing that key umami flavor.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Creates the deep, molasses-like sweetness that is characteristic of bourbon sauce.
• ¼ cup water: Helps to thin the sauce to the right consistency.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Add a little kick of heat; feel free to adjust this to your personal spice preference.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons honey: Contributes a floral sweetness and helps the sauce become sticky and glossy.
• 3 tablespoons ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base that rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile.
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives: An optional but recommended garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• If you’re looking for an alcohol-free version, you can easily substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice.
• This will result in a slightly sweeter sauce, but it’s a delicious and family-friendly alternative.
• To play with the flavor, try adding a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical twist, or swap the honey for maple syrup for a richer, smokier sweetness.
• For a lower-sugar option, you can use a brown sugar substitute and a sugar-free ketchup, though the final consistency might vary slightly.

Cooking Time

Get this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few common kitchen tools to make this copycat recipe.

• Large skillet or wok: Provides a wide surface area to cook the chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need one to toss the chicken and another to whisk the sauce ingredients together.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, well-combined sauce without any clumps.
• Meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Make Panda Express Bourbon Chicken Recipe?

This simple process comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The key is to prepare your sauce ingredients while the chicken cooks, allowing you to assemble the final dish in just a few minutes. Don’t rush frying the chicken; letting it get golden brown in a single layer is what creates that irresistible texture. Once the sauce is simmering, it all comes together in a flash.

Cook the Chicken

First, cut your chicken thighs into uniform, bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the salt and pepper until they are lightly seasoned. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss again until each piece is evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them over the heat for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. This quick step blooms their flavors, creating an aromatic base for the sauce. Be careful not to let them burn, as this can make the sauce taste bitter.

Simmer and Thicken

In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ketchup. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will begin to thicken slightly as the sugars caramelize. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, create a slurry by mixing 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened bourbon sauce. Stir everything together gently to ensure every piece of chicken is completely coated in the glossy sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate the final dish. My biggest tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan when you’re frying the chicken. Cooking it in batches if necessary ensures every piece gets crispy instead of steaming. I also find that grating the ginger with a microplane releases more of its flavor than just mincing it.

• Cut the chicken thighs into similar-sized pieces to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
• Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. This creates an instant sizzle that locks in juices and creates a better crust.
• For an extra layer of flavor, I like to toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle them on top with the green onions.
• To check if your chicken is done, I always rely on a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F.

How to Serve Panda Express Bourbon Chicken Recipe?

This bourbon chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with your favorite Asian-inspired sides. The most classic way to serve it is over a bed of fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up any extra sauce beautifully. For a full takeout-at-home experience, serve it alongside some simple fried rice or chow mein noodles. If you want to add more vegetables to the meal, it’s delicious with a side of steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or stir-fried bok choy. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a polished, restaurant-worthy look.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

Follow these guidelines to enjoy your leftover bourbon chicken.

Make Ahead

You can make the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also cut the chicken and store it separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the chicken and heat it with the pre-made sauce for a super-fast meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce will continue to soak into the chicken, making the leftovers incredibly flavorful.

Reheating

You can reheat the bourbon chicken in the microwave in 30-second increments until warm. For the best texture, I recommend reheating it in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this copycat recipe will become a new favorite in your home.

• Better Than Takeout: It has all the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors you love from the restaurant, but it’s made with fresh ingredients right in your own kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: This entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something delicious.
• Customizable Heat and Sweetness: You have complete control over the ingredients. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more spice or reduce the sugar for a less sweet sauce.
• Family-Friendly Option: With the easy option to substitute bourbon for apple juice, this is a dish that everyone in the family can enjoy.