These Bourbon Chicken Skewers capture the nostalgia of mall food court indulgence with a homemade upgrade. They’re sticky, sweet, and perfectly charred on the outside with a tender, juicy bite. The balance of tangy apple cider vinegar, spicy sriracha ketchup, and sweet brown sugar gives this dish a complex yet approachable flavor profile.
This is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—ready in under 40 minutes, cooked in the air fryer, and incredibly family-friendly. Whether you’re looking to recreate a nostalgic favorite or serve up something flavorful without the fuss, these skewers will quickly become a regular on your menu. Plus, they make fantastic leftovers (if any survive the first round)!
Full Recipe:
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2 lbs chicken tenders (thighs or breasts also work)
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1 heaping tsp grated garlic
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1 heaping tsp grated ginger
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¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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¼ cup apple juice
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⅓ cup light brown sugar
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2 tbsp ketchup or Sriracha ketchup
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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½ cup water
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⅓ cup soy sauce
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2 tsp cornstarch (diluted in 1-2 tsp water)
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Sesame seeds (for topping)
Directions:
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In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry while whisking. Let it simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
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Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces. Place in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add ⅓ cup cooled sauce and coat well.
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Separate the remaining sauce into two containers—one for basting raw chicken and one for cooked chicken or drizzling.
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Thread the chicken onto skewers, packing pieces closely together.
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Air fry skewers at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping and basting with sauce every 4 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
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Once done, baste one final time and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 6 skewers
The Charm of Food Court Bourbon Chicken
For many of us, the mall food court was a culinary adventure zone during our younger years. One of the standout experiences was undoubtedly the sizzling trays of bourbon chicken being handed out on toothpicks by smiling food court workers. The sweet aroma of the sticky glaze, the tender chicken, and that irresistible combo of sweet and savory still lingers in our memory. This recipe for Food Court Bourbon Chicken Skewers captures all of that nostalgia—only better, cleaner, and right from your home kitchen.
Despite its name, bourbon chicken doesn’t traditionally contain any bourbon alcohol. Instead, it’s named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where the dish is believed to have originated. It draws inspiration from both Southern American and Asian cuisines, resulting in a hybrid flavor profile that is both unique and wildly addictive.
In this upgraded version, we take the concept further with skewers that are air-fried, making the recipe healthier while still packing in all the flavor and texture you love.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
There are hundreds of chicken skewer recipes out there, but what makes this one shine is the complex yet approachable glaze that clings to each piece like a dream. Sweetness from brown sugar and apple juice, a subtle tang from apple cider vinegar, and a gentle punch of heat from sriracha or red pepper flakes create an irresistible sauce that’s not quite teriyaki, not exactly barbecue, and not overly spicy.
Unlike many versions that rely on frying or grilling with sugary sauces that burn easily, this air fryer version produces perfectly caramelized chicken with very little mess. It’s efficient, flavorful, and shockingly easy to make. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can cook it using a grill or even in your oven, with equally delicious results.
Balancing Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
One of the secrets to this recipe’s mass appeal lies in the balance of flavors. While sweetness is front and center—thanks to apple juice and brown sugar—it’s kept in check with acidic elements like vinegar and savory components like soy sauce and garlic. Fresh ginger adds a zesty complexity, while a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes introduces just enough heat to make it exciting, without overwhelming sensitive palates.
If you enjoy Asian-inspired sauces like teriyaki or hoisin, you’ll love this. But unlike teriyaki, this sauce leans more toward an Americanized palate, making it a hit with kids, picky eaters, and just about anyone who likes comfort food.
Why Skewers? The Power of Presentation
There’s something inherently satisfying about food on a stick. Skewers make the meal more interactive, more visual, and honestly, more fun. Beyond aesthetics, skewering the chicken has a culinary advantage as well. It allows the pieces to cook evenly and develop a caramelized outer layer without drying out the interior.
In this particular recipe, the chicken pieces are packed closely on the skewer to help retain moisture and create a dense, juicy bite. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in texture.
Air Fryer Advantage
Using an air fryer isn’t just a trendy shortcut—it’s a game-changer in recipes like this one. The air fryer helps crisp the edges of the chicken and caramelize the glaze without needing tons of oil or heating up the whole kitchen. You also get the benefit of quicker cooking time and less cleanup.
In this recipe, the skewers are cooked in batches and basted every few minutes to build up that sticky, lacquered coating. The air circulation in the fryer allows the sauce to reduce right on the meat, creating a flavorful crust.
Of course, if you don’t have an air fryer, the recipe still holds up beautifully when baked or grilled. The glaze is the real hero here, and it works across multiple cooking methods.
Tips for Maximum Flavor
To get the best out of your Food Court Bourbon Chicken Skewers, marinating is key. Even a short marinade of 10 to 15 minutes allows the sauce to soak into the meat, ensuring every bite is seasoned through and through.
Another pro tip: reserve a portion of the sauce for basting and another for drizzling after cooking. This avoids cross-contamination and also keeps the glaze fresh and vibrant at the table. For added presentation points, sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced scallions on top before serving.
Want to take it up a notch? Serve these skewers over steamed rice, with stir-fried veggies or even wrapped in warm flatbread for a quick handheld meal.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
These skewers aren’t just good fresh—they also make fantastic leftovers. The chicken remains juicy, and the sauce continues to develop flavor as it rests. You can store the cooked skewers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for later use.
Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore that slightly crisp outer texture. You can also shred the leftover chicken and use it in wraps, rice bowls, or even over salad for a completely different meal experience.
Family-Friendly, Crowd-Pleasing
One of the best things about this dish is how universally loved it is. It’s kid-approved, adult-approved, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or prepping meals for the week, these bourbon chicken skewers check every box.
And since it’s a one-pan air fryer dish, cleanup is minimal—giving you more time to enjoy the meal with your people.
A Modern Take on a Nostalgic Favorite
The mall food court may be a thing of the past for some of us, but the flavors we loved back then don’t have to stay there. This recipe for Food Court Bourbon Chicken Skewers bridges the gap between convenience and quality. It respects the origin of the dish while refining it for today’s home cook.
The result is a dish that’s nostalgic, yes, but also fresh and elevated. It brings you all the comfort of fast food favorites—without the grease, the mess, or the regret.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Whether you grew up devouring bourbon chicken samples at the mall or you’re just discovering this comfort classic for the first time, this version is sure to become a regular in your rotation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor.
The sweet-and-sticky glaze, the perfectly tender chicken, and the versatility in preparation all make this a must-try. And let’s not forget the joy of recreating a dish that feels indulgent yet is made from scratch in your own kitchen. These Food Court Bourbon Chicken Skewers are proof that with a little creativity and the right ingredients, even mall food can become gourmet.