Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
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.
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).