Perfect Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
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.
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.