CROCK POT BOURBON CHICKEN AMAZING

Tired of the same old weeknight dinners, dreaming of that sweet and savory takeout flavor, but without the guilt or the hefty price tag? Imagine tender, juicy chicken, simmered in a rich, flavorful bourbon sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. With this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe, you can have that restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen – and I promise, it’s way easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup bourbon (or substitute with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Talk Bourbon (and Substitutions!)

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: the bourbon! It’s the key to that distinctive, slightly smoky sweetness that makes this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken so addictive. But, I know not everyone keeps bourbon on hand, and some folks prefer to avoid alcohol altogether. No worries – I’ve got you covered!

If you’re skipping the bourbon, the best substitute is apple juice. It provides a similar sweetness and a hint of fruitiness. You can also use chicken broth, but you might want to add a touch more brown sugar to compensate for the missing sweetness. Remember, the alcohol cooks off during the slow cooking process, leaving behind just the flavor. But the choice is yours!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Magic in Your Crock-Pot

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended!)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon (or substitute), soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, ketchup, cornstarch, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in your sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

1. Place the seared chicken (or raw chicken, if skipping the searing step) into your slow cooker.
2. Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated.
3. 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.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (If Needed)

1. If the sauce is too thin for your liking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

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

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, even in a slow cooker. Check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low or 3-hour mark on high.
• Low and slow is the way to go: Cooking on low for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and results in a more tender chicken.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just plug it in and let it cook!
• Freezing for later: Allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of slow cooker recipes is how easily you can customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add veggies: Toss in some broccoli florets, bell peppers, or sliced carrots during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
• Pineapple chunks: Add a can of pineapple chunks (drained) for a tropical twist.
• Different cuts of chicken: While chicken thighs are my favorite for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes, for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Rice!

While rice is a classic pairing for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some other serving suggestions:

• Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
• Noodles: Serve over egg noodles or Asian-style noodles for a comforting meal.
• Mashed potatoes: A surprisingly delicious combination!
• Sandwiches or wraps: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe, you might also like these other easy and flavorful chicken recipes:

• Try the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken for another great meal.
• For a quick stir-fry, check out this Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken recipe.
• If you love easy slow cooker meals, then these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are a must-try.

And if you’re looking for something a little different, don’t forget the Honey Garlic Sausage, the Honey Garlic Shrimp and the Peach Bourbon Meatball, all are great recipes!

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a crowd-pleaser, and a flavor explosion all rolled into one. It’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Lady Maria

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, flavorful bourbon sauce. It’s an easy and customizable weeknight meal that rivals takeout, offering a sweet and savory flavor explosion with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions, for garnish optional

Equipment

• slow cooker
• large skillet
• medium bowl
• whisk
• slotted spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• knife

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until lightly browned on all sides.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, ketchup, cornstarch, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
5. Place the seared chicken (or raw chicken) into your slow cooker.
6. Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated.
7. 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.
8. If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
9. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
10. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.
11. Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice.
12. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar. Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra spice. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To add veggies, toss in broccoli florets, bell peppers, or sliced carrots during the last hour of cooking. Pineapple chunks can be added for a tropical twist. Chicken breasts can be used, but be careful not to overcook them. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu.