Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and hands-off way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich bourbon sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines sweet and savory elements for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
- Step 2: Stir gently until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Step 4: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add this mixture to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with the thickened sauce over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the sauce mixture.
- Using boneless chicken thighs can reduce cooking time slightly without sacrificing flavor.
- Replace bourbon with an equal amount of apple cider or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it near the end of cooking.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they may dry out more easily. Cooking time might need to be reduced slightly to prevent overcooking.
Is the alcohol fully cooked off during the slow cooking?
Most of the alcohol cooks off during the long cooking process, leaving behind the deep flavor of the bourbon without much alcohol content.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich bourbon and soy sauce glaze. Infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar, it’s a perfect hands-off meal served over rice and garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger and set aside. Ensure the chicken thighs are ready for cooking.
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: In the crock pot, add the chicken thighs along with bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Continue cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve and garnish: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked, serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
- For less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar quantity according to taste.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes during the slow cooking step.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch mixture well before adding to avoid lumps.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, slow cooker chicken, bourbon chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, crockpot recipes
