Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce. It’s an easy slow cooker meal perfect for busy days and pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 3 Pounds Chicken Thighs (Boneless, skinless)
• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Soy Sauce
• 1/3 Cup Bourbon Whisky
• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 2 Tablespoons Water
• 1/4 Cup Green Onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the well-trimmed chicken thighs into the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whisky, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Whisk together until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken thighs to a plate and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
7. Step 7: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the crock pot and whisk it into the sauce to thicken.
8. Step 8: Return the chopped chicken to the crock pot, stir to combine, then cover and allow the sauce to bubble again before turning off the heat.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier twist, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Bone-in chicken thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time and deboning before chopping.
• Substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit alcohol for a family-friendly version.
• Add pineapple chunks in the last hour of cooking for a sweet, tropical flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out faster. Cook on low and check for doneness earlier, or consider reducing the cooking time slightly.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

To keep the rich flavor without alcohol, you can substitute bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth mixed with a splash of vanilla extract.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich bourbon-infused sauce featuring a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice. Easy to prepare and ideal for a comforting meal, it’s perfect served over rice and garnished with fresh green onions.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 Pounds Chicken Thighs (Boneless, skinless)

Sauce

• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Soy Sauce
• 1/3 Cup Bourbon Whisky
• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced

Thickening Mixture

• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 2 Tablespoons Water

Garnish

• 1/4 Cup Green Onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Place the well-trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Make Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whisky, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the mixed sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Chop Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker onto a plate and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.
6. Prepare Thickener: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water by mixing thoroughly until smooth.
7. Thicken Sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Whisk to combine and mix well.
8. Recombine and Finish: Return the chopped chicken back to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, cover, and let the sauce come back to a bubbling consistency. Once bubbling, turn off the slow cooker.
9. Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the bourbon chicken and serve hot over steamed rice for a delicious meal.

Notes

• For a stronger bourbon flavor, you can increase the bourbon whisky by an additional 2 tablespoons.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes after adding the cornstarch before turning off the slow cooker.
• This recipe works well with chicken breasts but may require slightly less cooking time.
• Make sure to trim excess fat from chicken thighs to avoid greasy texture.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Keywords: Bourbon chicken, Slow cooker chicken, Crock pot chicken recipe, Easy dinner, Chicken thighs recipe, Sweet and spicy chicken