Unlock the bold, mouthwatering flavors of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken — a dish that turns tender chicken into a caramelized, savory-sweet masterpiece with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe blends the rich warmth of bourbon with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of brown sugar, creating a luscious glaze that coats every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting dinner, this slow cooker favorite is sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Effortless Cooking: Toss ingredients into your crockpot and come back to a perfectly cooked meal.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The rich bourbon flavor melds beautifully with garlic and brown sugar for a tantalizing glaze.
Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking keeps the chicken moist and infused with deep flavor.
Versatile Meal: Delicious served over rice, noodles, or with steamed veggies.
Crowd-Pleasing: A flavorful dish that’s great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Deep amber bourbon whiskey adds warmth and complexity, infusing the dish with bold character. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking. You can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but keep an eye on the cooking time.
Soy sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown sugar: It brings sweetness and balances the savory flavors. For a sweeter kick, feel free to increase the amount.
Bourbon: This is the star of the show! It infuses the chicken with a rich, smoky flavor. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can use apple juice or chicken broth as a substitute.
Ketchup: This adds a tangy sweetness that complements the other ingredients. It’s a secret weapon in many savory dishes!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a robust flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Ground ginger: This adds warmth and a hint of spice. If you have fresh ginger, feel free to use that instead.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, these can be added to spice things up.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce at the end, giving it a nice, glossy finish.
Water: Just a bit to create the cornstarch slurry.
Green onions: Chopped for garnish, they add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Cooked rice: This is perfect for serving alongside the chicken, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Each step is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to follow along. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your Crock Pot. This is where the magic begins! Make sure they’re spread out evenly. This helps them cook uniformly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet and savory sauce that will elevate your chicken to new heights. Don’t be shy—give it a good mix!
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer, the better! This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the Crock Pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily, thanks to the slow cooking. This step is where the aroma really hits you—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce left in the Crock Pot. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes. This will thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy finish that makes it so irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot, stirring it into the thickened sauce. Serve your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over a bed of cooked rice, and don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions for that fresh crunch. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish!
Tips for Success
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar to suit your taste.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for meal prep!
Equipment Needed
Crock Pot: The star of the show! Any slow cooker will do, but a programmable one makes timing easier.
Mixing Bowl: For whisking together your sauce. A large measuring cup works too!
Forks: Essential for shredding the chicken. You can also use tongs if you prefer.
Measuring Cups: Handy for accurate ingredient measurements, but eyeballing works in a pinch!
Variations
Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Honey Bourbon Chicken: Substitute half of the brown sugar with honey for a unique sweetness.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Fruit-Infused: Toss in some pineapple chunks or orange slices for a fruity twist that complements the bourbon.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed Vegetables: Pair your bourbon chicken with steamed broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the dish.
Drink Pairing: Enjoy with a light beer or a bourbon-based cocktail for a cohesive flavor experience.
Presentation: Serve in a deep bowl, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing look.
FAQs about Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
As you embark on your culinary adventure with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. They may cook a bit faster than thighs, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, but you can also serve it with steamed vegetables, coleslaw, or even a fresh salad. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over any side!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken the night before. Just store them in the fridge and pop them in the Crock Pot when you’re ready to cook. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Definitely! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. The rich, savory flavors meld together, creating a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress without demanding hours of your time. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the simplicity of slow cooking, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary adventure. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
A delicious and easy-to-make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe that is perfect for a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the Crock Pot and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot, stirring to combine with the thickened sauce.
Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, but adjust cooking time as needed to prevent drying out.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
