Where Can You Find the Most Mouth-Watering Bourbon Chicken? Your Ultimate Guide!

Have you ever had that intense craving for sweet, tangy and savory bourbon chicken but didn’t know where to look? Your not alone! As a food blogger who’s tasted more bourbon chicken than I care to admit, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find this delicious dish without driving all over town.

What Exactly Is Bourbon Chicken Anyway?

Before we dive into where to find it, let’s clear up what bourbon chicken actually is. Despite what many think, traditional bourbon chicken doesn’t always contain bourbon! The name actually comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans where the dish originated, though some recipes do include bourbon in the sauce.

Bourbon chicken typically consists of

• Bite-sized chicken pieces
• A glossy, sticky sauce that’s sweet and savory
• Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic flavors
• A hint of sweetness from brown sugar or honey
• Sometimes a splash of actual bourbon

7 Best Places to Get Amazing Bourbon Chicken

1. Mall Food Courts

If you’ve ever wandered through a mall food court, you’ve probably seen those sample-offering vendors calling out to try their bourbon chicken. These mall staples are often your easiest option when craving this dish.

Why mall food courts rock for bourbon chicken:

• Quick service
• Usually affordable (around $8-10 for a full meal)
• Often include a side of rice and vegetables
• Easy to sample before buying

Many of these stalls go by names like “Bourbon Street Grill,” “Cajun Grill,” or “Asian Chao.”

2. Chinese Restaurants

Most Chinese restaurants in America offer some version of bourbon chicken, though it might appear under different names like:

• Honey chicken
• Sweet and sour chicken
• General Tso’s chicken (spicier cousin)

The bourbon chicken at these establishments usually has a more authentic Asian influence with stronger soy and ginger notes.

3. Food Delivery Apps

We live in the golden age of food delivery! Apps like DoorDash and Grubhub make it super easy to get bourbon chicken delivered right to your door.

How to find bourbon chicken on delivery apps:

1. Open your preferred app (DoorDash or Grubhub)
2. Search specifically for “bourbon chicken”
3. Filter by rating and delivery time
4. Check reviews specifically mentioning the bourbon chicken quality
5. Place your order!

Pro tip: Many apps let you save favorite dishes, so once you find a good bourbon chicken, save it for next time!

4. Southern and Cajun Restaurants

Since bourbon chicken has roots in New Orleans, many Southern and Cajun restaurants serve excellent versions. Their recipes often include:

• Actual bourbon in the sauce (yum!)
• More spices and heat
• Smokier flavor profiles
• Authentic Southern sides like collard greens or cornbread

5. Chain Restaurants

Several chain restaurants serve reliable bourbon chicken that’ll satisfy your craving:

6. Make It Yourself!

Sometimes the best bourbon chicken is the one you make at home! I’ve experimented with dozens of recipes, and here’s my quick version:

Quick Homemade Bourbon Chicken Recipe:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 2 tbsp bourbon (optional but recommended!)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water

Cook the chicken, mix the sauce ingredients, simmer together, thicken with cornstarch slurry, and serve over rice. Boom – homemade bourbon chicken!

7. Local Festivals and Food Trucks

Don’t forget to check out:

• Food trucks (many specialize in fusion cuisines)
• Street fairs and festivals
• Farmers markets with prepared food vendors
• Pop-up restaurants

These often have the most unique and flavorful versions of bourbon chicken you’ll ever taste!

Regional Differences in Bourbon Chicken

What’s interesting is how bourbon chicken varies depending on where your getting it:

Southern-style: More likely to contain actual bourbon, smokier flavor, served with traditional Southern sides.

Mall food court style: Sweeter, stickier sauce with bright red coloring, almost always served with fried rice.

Chinese restaurant style: More soy-forward flavor, less sweet, often includes vegetables in the dish.

Cajun-inspired: Spicier with more heat and complex seasoning blends.

How to Order the Best Bourbon Chicken

When ordering bourbon chicken, here are some insider tips:

1. Ask if they make it fresh to order or if it’s been sitting under heat lamps
2. Request extra sauce (the sauce is the best part!)
3. Pair it with the right sides (rice absorbs the sauce beautifully)
4. Find out if they use dark or white meat (dark meat is typically juicier)
5. Ask about spice levels if you’re sensitive to heat

Healthier Options for Bourbon Chicken Lovers

If your watching your diet but still craving this dish, look for places that offer:

• Grilled instead of fried chicken
• Brown rice instead of white or fried rice
• Extra vegetables
• Sauce on the side so you can control the amount

Many restaurants now offer “lighter” versions with reduced sugar and sodium.

The Bottom Line: Where’s The Best Bourbon Chicken?

After trying bourbon chicken from literally hundreds of places (my waistline has suffered for this blog!), I’ve found that the best bourbon chicken often comes from unexpected places. That little mall food court stall might actually have better bourbon chicken than the fancy Cajun restaurant!

My advice? Try different versions and find what YOU like best. Some people prefer the super sweet, sticky mall version, while others love the more savory restaurant style.

Wherever you choose to get your bourbon chicken fix, you now have plenty of options to satisfy that craving whenever it strikes!

Have you found an amazing place for bourbon chicken that I missed? Drop a comment below and share your discovery with our food-loving community!

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FAQ: Bourbon Chicken Edition

Q: Is bourbon chicken actually Chinese food?
A: It’s Chinese-American fusion! While it’s commonly found in Chinese restaurants, it actually originated in New Orleans.

Q: Does bourbon chicken contain alcohol?
A: Some versions do contain bourbon whiskey, but the alcohol cooks off during preparation. Many commercial versions don’t use bourbon at all.

Q: What’s the best side dish with bourbon chicken?
A: Rice is traditional, but it’s also great with noodles, steamed vegetables, or even mashed potatoes!

Q: Can I get bourbon chicken as a meal prep option?
A: Absolutely! Bourbon chicken reheats wonderfully and many meal prep services offer it as a regular option.

What’s your favorite place to get bourbon chicken? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!