CROCK POT BOURBON CHICKEN EASY

Imagine tender, juicy chicken, glazed in a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy bourbon sauce, so fragrant it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is ridiculously easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort – get ready to experience flavor explosion with this fool-proof recipe!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup bourbon (or substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the delicious bourbon sauce.

2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.

3. Add Chicken to the Crock-Pot:

   Place the chicken pieces in your slow cooker. Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated. This is where the magic starts!

4. Slow Cook to Perfection:

   Cover the slow cooker 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.

5. Thicken the Sauce (If Needed):

   If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, increase the heat to high, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Don’t skip this step if you want that glossy, perfect glaze!

6. Serve and Garnish:

   Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy!

Pro Tips and Tricks for Bourbon Chicken Bliss

I’ve made this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way that can help you achieve the best possible results. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish to the next level!

Choosing the Right Chicken:

I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker than chicken breasts, as they stay moist and tender even when cooked for longer periods. Chicken breasts can sometimes dry out, so thighs are the way to go for guaranteed succulence. If you absolutely prefer chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Bourbon or No Bourbon?:

The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can easily substitute it with chicken broth or apple juice. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious! If you are using bourbon, a mid-range bourbon works perfectly fine – you don’t need to use anything too fancy.

Sweetness Level Adjustment:

The sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you like it sweeter, add a little more. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken to the slow cooker and adjust accordingly. Remember, you can always add more sweetness later, but it’s harder to take it away!

Spice It Up!:

If you like a bit of heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes! You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and taste as you go until you reach your desired level of spiciness.

Perfecting the Sauce Consistency:

As mentioned in the instructions, thickening the sauce at the end is crucial for that perfect glossy glaze. If you find that the cornstarch slurry isn’t thickening the sauce enough, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as it can make the sauce too thick.

Serving Suggestions:

While rice is the classic pairing for Bourbon Chicken, don’t be afraid to get creative! It’s also delicious served over noodles (egg noodles or ramen noodles work great), quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. I love adding a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete and balanced meal.

Variations to Make This Recipe Your Own

The beauty of slow cooker recipes is how easily adaptable they are! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe.

Pineapple Power:

Add a can of pineapple chunks (drained) to the slow cooker for a tropical twist. The pineapple adds sweetness and a tangy flavor that complements the bourbon sauce perfectly. This turns the recipe into something similar to Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.

Veggie Boost:

Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. These veggies will soften as they cook in the slow cooker and absorb the delicious bourbon sauce. They also add a nice textural element to the dish.

Ginger Garlic Infusion:

For a more pronounced ginger and garlic flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the sauce. This will give the dish a bolder, more aromatic flavor profile.

Honey Glaze:

Substitute some of the brown sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness. Honey adds a unique floral flavor that pairs well with the bourbon and soy sauce. You could make a dish similar to Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken.

Asian Inspiration:

Add a splash of rice vinegar and a dash of sriracha for an Asian-inspired twist. The rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess, while the sriracha adds a touch of heat and complexity.

What to Serve With Your Bourbon Chicken

The right side dishes can really elevate your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Steamed Rice: A classic and reliable choice.
• Egg Noodles: The sauce clings perfectly to egg noodles.
• Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed option.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that’s surprisingly delicious.
• Steamed Broccoli: A simple and nutritious side.
• Green Beans: Lightly steamed or stir-fried green beans add a nice crunch.
• Asian Slaw: A refreshing and tangy slaw to balance the richness of the chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is great for meal prepping, since leftovers store and reheat beautifully!

Storing:

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

You can reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. On the stovetop, heat over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing:

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken?

I don’t recommend using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker, as it can affect the cooking time and texture. It’s best to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

The sauce is too salty. What can I do?

If the sauce is too salty, you can add a little bit of brown sugar or honey to balance the flavors. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to cut through the saltiness.

Other Easy Crock-Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe, you might also like these other easy slow cooker recipes:

• Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken: A sweet and savory classic.
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy.

So, there you have it – your new go-to recipe for a delicious and easy weeknight meal! I hope you enjoy making and eating this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Easy

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, sweet, and tangy bourbon sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Fork

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
• 2 tablespoons cold water for thickening

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
• Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
• Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
• If the sauce is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, increase the heat to high, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For an alcohol-free version, substitute bourbon with chicken broth. Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. If sauce doesn’t thicken enough, mix more cornstarch with water and add gradually. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating. Add pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for variations. Substitute some brown sugar with honey for different sweetness.