PERFECT SLOW COOKER BOURBON CHICKEN

Imagine juicy, tender chicken glistening in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, so good it practically melts in your mouth. This isn’t your average chicken dinner; it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make, thanks to your trusty slow cooker! Forget takeout – with just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken right at home, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples, making this recipe super convenient. I’ve included some notes and tips to help you make the best Bourbon Chicken possible.

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces): I personally prefer thighs because they stay incredibly moist and tender in the slow cooker, but chicken breasts work too! Just be careful not to overcook them.

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup bourbon: Don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off during the slow cooking process. If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with chicken broth or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works equally well. Dark brown sugar will give a slightly richer, molasses-like flavor.
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons honey: For extra sweetness and stickiness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is always best!
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick! Adjust to your liking.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: For thickening the sauce at the end.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: To make a cornstarch slurry.

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice: Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices.
• Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish.
• Chopped green onions (optional): For garnish.

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

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps and you’ll have delicious Bourbon Chicken in no time. Remember, the slow cooker is your friend – it does most of the work!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch pieces.
2. Place the chicken in your slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and whisk it into the sauce.
4. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent clumping!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it evenly with the thickened sauce.
2. Serve the Bourbon Chicken hot over cooked white rice.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Bourbon Chicken Success

Here are some extra pointers to make sure your Bourbon Chicken is a total knockout! I’ve learned these over many batches, so trust me, they’re worth knowing.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: This is especially important if you’re using chicken breasts. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the brown sugar and red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Thickening Troubles? If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. Just make sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing for Later: Bourbon Chicken freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond Just Rice

While Bourbon Chicken is fantastic served over rice, don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides! Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Adds a healthy dose of veggies.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy and refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
• Quinoa: A nutritious alternative to rice.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Variations: Customize Your Chicken

Want to put your own spin on this Bourbon Chicken recipe? Go for it! Here are a few variations to get you started:

• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Garlic Bourbon Chicken: Add more minced garlic to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Bourbon “Chicken”: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan.

Explore More Deliciousness: Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving this slow cooker chicken recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorites! They’re all easy to make and packed with flavor.

For a creamy and comforting meal, try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes. Or, if you’re looking for something similar to this recipe, you might enjoy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken or Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. For a simpler creamy option, try this Creamy Crockpot Chicken. And if you’re a fan of honey garlic flavors, you’ll adore Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken or Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.

Why I Love This Recipe: My Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bourbon Chicken recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s so easy to throw together in the slow cooker and the flavor is just incredible! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser – everyone always loves it. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do! Happy cooking!

Perfect Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This slow cooker bourbon chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. It’s an easy and flavorful alternative to takeout, perfect for a convenient and delicious weeknight meal. Just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker create restaurant-quality results.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the chicken in your slow cooker.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender.
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
• Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and whisk it into the sauce.
• Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent clumping!
• Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it evenly with the thickened sauce.
• Serve the Bourbon Chicken hot over cooked white rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken, especially if using chicken breasts. Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, add more cornstarch slurry. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bourbon Chicken freezes well for up to 3 months.