This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is super easy and full of flavor! It combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Trust me, the smell alone will have your family asking what’s for dinner before it’s even ready! 😋
I love serving it over rice for a complete meal that’s simple and yummy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, chicken breasts work just as well if you like a leaner option. You can also use rotisserie chicken, adding it closer to the end of cooking for a quick meal.
Bourbon Whiskey: While bourbon adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with apple juice or non-alcoholic bourbon if preferred. It’ll change the taste slightly but will still yield a delicious result.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you are watching sodium intake. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos for a similar flavor profile with fewer allergens.
Brown Sugar: Use white sugar or honey if you’re out of brown sugar. The flavor will be different but still tasty. Maple syrup is another alternative that adds a unique sweetness!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Thickness?
Thickening the sauce is key to getting that restaurant-style bourbon chicken. Here’s how to do it:
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. This helps it incorporate smoothly into your sauce.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot and cover it again. Let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- This will give your sauce that desirable thickness. Keep the heat low, and don’t skip this step for best results!
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this easy and satisfying recipe!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening and Serving:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 2-3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 6-8 hours to cook on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crock pot. That means you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In your crock pot, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, 1/4 cup water, minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
2. Add the Chicken:
Now, toss the chicken pieces into the crock pot. Make sure every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce. It’s going to soak up all the flavors while it cooks.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Your chicken will be tender and bursting with flavor when it’s done!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you plan to eat, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir until there are no lumps.
5. Finish Cooking:
Stir the slurry into the crock pot to thicken your sauce. Cover the crock pot and let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to become rich and flavorful.
6. Serve the Dish:
Serve the bourbon chicken hot over a bed of freshly cooked white rice. It’s a comforting and hearty dish!
7. Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
Enjoy this rich, savory, and slightly sweet homemade Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken that’s the perfect way to make dinner easy and delicious!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken, but remember to increase the cooking time. If using frozen thighs or breasts, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you don’t want to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar taste. It will change the flavor slightly but will still create a delicious sauce!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Of course! If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Adjust to your taste!