BEST CROCK POT BOURBON CHICKEN

Imagine tender, juicy chicken, glazed in a sweet and savory sauce with just a hint of bourbon warmth, all cooked to perfection in your crock pot. That’s Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, and trust me, you’re about to make the best version of it you’ve ever tasted! Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this Bourbon Chicken Crockpot masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds, boneless, skinless

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• Bourbon: 1/2 cup (Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the flavor!)
• Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup, low sodium
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated (fresh is best!)
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick)
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Water: 2 tablespoons

For Serving:

• Cooked Rice: For serving
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish
• Green Onions: For garnish, chopped

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, here’s where the magic happens. This Bourbon Chicken Recipe is seriously simple, and I promise you can do it.

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add Chicken to Crock-Pot: Place the cut chicken pieces into your crock pot.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
5. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir well. Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips and Tricks for Bourbon Chicken Crockpot Perfection

Listen, even the easiest recipes have a few secrets to making them truly amazing. Here are my best tips for your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

• Don’t Skip the Bourbon! Okay, I know some folks might be tempted to leave it out, but the bourbon really does add a unique depth of flavor. If you absolutely can’t use it, you can substitute with apple juice or chicken broth, but it won’t be quite the same. And don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off during the long cooking time!
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low for a longer period of time will result in more tender and flavorful chicken. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high, but keep a close eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for a little extra tang.
• Spice it Up!: Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even a finely chopped jalapeno to the sauce.
• Shredded Chicken Option: For a different texture, you can shred the chicken with two forks after it’s cooked. This is especially great if you’re serving it over rice bowls or in lettuce wraps.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Crock-Pot: If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure you have a large enough crock pot. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• Consider searing the chicken: While optional, searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot adds a depth of flavour that is hard to beat. Simply sear the chicken pieces on all sides in a hot pan with a little oil before adding them to the crockpot.
• Add veggies: Adding veggies like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli to the crockpot is a great way to make this meal even more nutritious. Simply add the veggies to the crockpot along with the chicken.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This Bourbon Chicken Recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides.

• Rice, of Course!: Steamed white rice or brown rice are classic choices. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also great low-carb options.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus are delicious and healthy additions.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: A crisp salad with a sesame ginger dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For a fun appetizer, serve your Bourbon Chicken with crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a simple and satisfying side.
• Noodles: Instead of rice, serve over noodles such as Udon or Yakisoba.

Making it Your Own: Variations on the Theme

The beauty of this Bourbon Chicken Crockpot recipe is how easily you can customize it to your own tastes.

• Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot Style: For a Teriyaki Chicken Crock Pot, simply replace the bourbon with mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) and add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the sauce. This variation delivers that classic teriyaki flavor you know and love.
• Honey Bourbon Chicken: Add a tablespoon or two of honey to the sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and a stickier glaze.
• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add a can of pineapple chunks (drained) to the crock pot for a tropical twist.
• Spicy Peanut Bourbon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter and a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a flavorful and spicy kick.
• Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs: While chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moister in the crock pot, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be sure to not overcook them, as they can become dry. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly.

Summer Crockpot Recipes: Why This One Shines

Who says crock pots are just for winter? This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a perfect Summer Crockpot Recipe. You get to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without heating up your kitchen! Plus, it’s a great option for potlucks and summer gatherings. Imagine bringing this to your next BBQ!

Beyond Bourbon Chicken: Other Delicious Crock Pot Creations

Once you’ve mastered this Bourbon Chicken Recipe, you’ll be a crock pot pro! Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

Craving something creamy and comforting? Try Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something garlicky and savory? Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a winner every time. And if you’re looking for a complete meal in one pot, Crock Pot Chicken & Rice or Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes are fantastic choices.

Want another take on Butter Chicken? Try this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe for a slightly different flavour profile.

And of course, you should definitely check out this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe too!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container.

To reheat, you can microwave it, warm it up on the stovetop, or even reheat it in the crock pot on low. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Effortless Feast!

So there you have it – the best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe you’ll ever need. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a simple, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings, offering a delicious taste of comfort with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spoon
• Fork

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Place the cut chicken pieces into your crock pot.
• Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
• Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir well.
• Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For a richer flavour, sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. To adjust the sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of rice vinegar. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the crock pot on low, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth if needed, but the flavor will be different. Veggies like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli can be added for a more nutritious meal. For variations, consider Teriyaki Chicken (replace bourbon with mirin and add sesame oil), Honey Bourbon Chicken (add honey), Pineapple Bourbon Chicken (add pineapple chunks), or Spicy Peanut Bourbon Chicken (add peanut butter and sriracha).