Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that will wow your taste buds with bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, look no further than this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe. Succulent chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce starring real bourbon, brown sugar, garlic, and a whisper of heat. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the magic while you go about your day! This is southern comfort at its finest, making weeknight dinners a breeze and earning rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to steal a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity – just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep give you deep, complex flavors. Each ingredient pulls its weight, from the juicy chicken to the sweet and fiery sauce. Here’s everything you’ll need (and why it matters):

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (3 lbs): Thighs stay irresistibly juicy after hours in the slow cooker, giving the dish its signature tender texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a lovely caramel sweetness and helps thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze.
• Soy Sauce (1 cup): Delivers the unmistakable salt and umami base for the irresistible bourbon sauce.
• Bourbon Whiskey (1/3 cup): The soulful backbone of this recipe, bourbon brings depth, warmth, and just a hint of smokiness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A splash of vinegar brightens the whole dish and balances all that sweetness.
• Ground Ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle spice and fragrant zing come from just a pinch of ground ginger.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the sauce with floral sweetness and helps achieve that crave-worthy sticky finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Add a touch of heat – feel free to adjust for more or less kick.
• Garlic, Minced (4 cloves): Nothing beats the aroma and punch of fresh garlic mingling in a slow-cooked sauce.
• Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Key for getting that restaurant-style thick, glossy sauce.
• Water (2 tablespoons): Used with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce in minutes.
• Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup, for garnish): A pop of color and fresh bite to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer in the Chicken

Start by nestling your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to sear or brown – the magic happens right inside the pot. Make sure they’re evenly spread out so every piece can soak up the sauce as it simmers.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Whisk everything thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and honey, and blend all those flavors into a harmonious, fragrant sauce.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Carefully pour your luscious sauce blend over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is well coated. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of liquid – this will reduce and thicken as it cooks, turning gloriously sticky by the end.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Place the lid on your Crock Pot and cook the chicken on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. The low, slow heat will tenderize the chicken beautifully, while the sauce works its flavorful magic.

Step 5: Shred or Chop the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, carefully remove it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it or chop it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your texture preference. Don’t skip this step – chopped chicken soaks up the sauce so much better!

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Make a quick slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this into the sauce in the Crock Pot, then add the chopped chicken back in and give everything a good stir. Let the chicken and sauce cook together for another 5 to 10 minutes so the sauce thickens to a glossy, irresistible glaze.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle over a shower of chopped green onions, and give your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe a gentle stir. Now all that’s left is to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions is the classic finishing touch for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe. For extra flair and crunch, try toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you like a little heat, a dash more red pepper flakes tossed on top makes each bite pop.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something to soak up all that sticky-sweet sauce! Steamed white rice is a timeless favorite, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice make fantastic alternatives. Pair it with roasted broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cabbage slaw to round out the meal and add some refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight twist, spoon Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe into lettuce cups for an Asian-inspired wrap, or tuck the sticky chicken into soft buns with shredded slaw for delicious sliders. It also makes a knockout rice bowl with quick-pickled veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors get even deeper as they meld overnight! Just reheat what you need for speedy, satisfying meals all week.

Freezing

This dish is a total freezer hero. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then portion it into freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out extra air and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a fuss-free dinner anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, just warm Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until steamy and tender. Avoid overheating so the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, though they may turn out a bit less juicy. Be careful not to overcook, as breasts tend to dry out faster in the slow cooker.

How strong is the bourbon flavor in Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe?

The bourbon adds warmth and depth rather than a boozy punch, especially since most of the alcohol cooks off in the slow cooker. If you love a more pronounced bourbon hit, increase to half a cup and reduce the soy sauce to balance the flavors.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the alcohol in the bourbon cooks off, leaving behind just the flavor. If your kids are sensitive to heat, simply reduce the red pepper flakes for a mild, sweet saucy chicken.

What can I use instead of bourbon?

If you need a no-alcohol version, you can swap the bourbon for apple juice or even extra broth with a splash of vanilla extract to mimic some of the complexity that bourbon lends.

Can I make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish is ideal for meal prepping. Cook as directed, then portion out the cooled chicken into meal prep containers with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Whenever you crave a comforting, restaurant-worthy dinner made right at home, the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe never disappoints. It fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and delivers fork-tender, flavor-packed chicken in a sticky bourbon glaze. Give it a try – I promise, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again!

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