Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a deliciously sweet and savory slow-cooked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a rich bourbon sauce, creating comfort food with a hint of warmth and spice.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs evenly to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it to your desired texture. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce left in the slow cooker to thicken it.
6. Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring well to coat it in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors and further thicken the sauce.
7. Step 7: Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use chicken breasts as a leaner alternative, but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
• Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
• Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out. Check for doneness earlier and consider removing from heat once cooked through.

Is the bourbon whiskey flavor strong in this dish?

The bourbon adds a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish. Most of the alcohol cooks off during slow cooking, leaving a pleasant aroma and sweetness.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish where boneless skinless chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich bourbon-infused sauce. The perfect blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice creates a sweet and savory meal that is incredibly easy to prepare and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

Sauce

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Thickening Slurry

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Trim the boneless skinless chicken thighs to remove any excess fat and spread them evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until fully combined.
3. Combine and cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it into your preferred texture. Set aside.
5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it.
6. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly with the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
7. Finish and garnish: Turn off the slow cooker. Garnish the bourbon chicken with chopped green onions before serving.
8. Serving suggestion: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes

• For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
• Leftover bourbon chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezes nicely.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
• Ensure the cornstarch slurry is fully dissolved before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken Thighs, Make Ahead Meal