As the sun dips below the horizon, the aroma of sweet and savory simmering in my kitchen draws me in like a cozy embrace. Today, I'm excited to share my take on Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, a dish that has a delightful blend of flavors with a touch of Southern flair. This recipe not only simplifies your day with just 15 minutes of prep time, but it also creates a deliciously hearty meal that's sure to impress your family or guests. The tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a rich bourbon-infused sauce will have you saying goodbye to takeout forever. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this recipe a must-try?
Effortless Cooking: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can throw everything together and let your crock pot do the magic while you enjoy your day.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet bourbon marinade infuses chicken thighs with an irresistible taste that will have your taste buds dancing.
Versatile Meal: Serve this dish over fluffy rice, mix in some steamed veggies, or create a "Bourbon Chicken Bowl" for a complete meal!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish invites compliments and seconds.
Meal Prep Friendly: Scale up easily, yielding leftovers that get even better as they sit; perfect for your weekday lunch!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These cut of meat stays juicy and tender during the long cooking process.
For the Sauce
• Light brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce.
• Soy sauce – Provides a salty, umami depth that is essential to the dish's flavor profile.
• Bourbon whiskey – Infuses a delightful warmth and complexity, making this a true Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.
• Apple cider vinegar – Brightens the dish with a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Ground ginger – Adds a hint of spice that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Honey – Enhances sweetness and adds a touch of stickiness to the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – Give a subtle kick to counterbalance the sweetness.
• Garlic, minced – Introduces a fragrant quality that elevates the overall taste.
For Thickening the Sauce
• Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
• Water – Combines with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
For Serving
• Chopped green onions – Offers a fresh, vibrant garnish that enhances presentation.
• Cooked white rice (or brown/cauliflower rice) – Provides a delicious base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing 3 pounds of trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer to allow for even cooking. This will be the base for the incredibly flavorful Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken that’s sure to impress.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 cup of soy sauce, ⅓ cup of bourbon whiskey, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of honey, optional red pepper flakes, and 4 minced garlic cloves. This sweet and savory sauce will infuse your chicken with rich flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce, creating a luscious base for the slow cooking. Once coated, cover the slow cooker with its lid, sealing in the delicious aromas and moisture.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the chicken cook for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and infused with the bourbon and savory flavors of the sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds apart with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred or chop the chicken to your desired texture, allowing the juices to stay bound to the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, ensuring it is well mixed with the remaining sauce for that perfect Bourbon Chicken taste.
Step 6: Create the Slurry
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. This slurry will be the secret to thickening the delicious sauce in your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, adding an enticing texture that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Add the prepared slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Allow it to cook uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your liking. The rich sauce will become even more luxurious during this final cooking phase.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot over your choice of rice—white, brown, or cauliflower—to soak up all that delicious sauce. This comforting dish is now ready to enjoy with your loved ones!
Make Ahead Options
These Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance—just mix 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 cup of soy sauce, ⅓ cup of bourbon, and the other sauce ingredients in a bowl, then pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate overnight to deepen the flavor. On the day of cooking, simply set your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Finish by shredding the chicken and thickening the sauce; this way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Create an inviting dinner spread that balances sweetness and savory notes, enhancing the rich flavor of your bourbon chicken.
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Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that allows the decadent sauce to soak in, delivering heartwarming comfort in each bite.
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Asian Stir-Fry Vegetables: Crisp and colorful veggies add freshness and crunch, perfectly complementing the tender chicken with delightful textures.
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Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative is not only nutritious but also provides a light base that absorbs the flavorful bourbon sauce beautifully.
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Quinoa Salad: Nutty and fluffy, quinoa adds protein and a delightful chewiness to your meal, making it satisfying and nutritious.
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Pickled Cucumbers: The tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers cuts through the richness of the dish, offering a refreshing balance with every mouthful.
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Cold Sliced Watermelon: A sweet and juicy side that's perfect for cleansing the palate; it pairs surprisingly well with the savory bourbon notes.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink that keeps your meal light and bright without overshadowing the flavors of your bourbon chicken.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, this rich, gooey treat rounds out your meal with a touch of decadence, perfect for indulging after bourbon-infused goodness.
Expert Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Chicken Quality: Choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best results. They stay tender and juicy while absorbing the rich bourbon-infused flavors.
Marination Time: For even deeper flavors, consider letting the chicken marinate in the sauce in the fridge for a couple of hours before cooking—this enhances the taste of your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken significantly!
Thickening Secrets: If the sauce isn’t thickening as desired, ensure your cornstarch is mixed thoroughly with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents clumping and promotes a smooth sauce.
Adjust the Heat: If you're looking for a bit more kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking, or add some sliced fresh chili peppers for a delightful heat in your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.
Serving Tips: Don’t forget the garnishes! Green onions not only add color but also enhance the dish’s flavor profile. Serve it alongside vibrant vegetables to elevate your meal further!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Variations
Feel free to play with the flavors and ingredients in this recipe, making it uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
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Spicy Twist: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a zesty kick that adds depth to the sweet bourbon sauce.
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Honey-Roasted Peach: Mix in chopped fresh peaches during the last hour of cooking for a summery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bourbon flavors.
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Herb Infusion: Throw in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor profile wonderfully.
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Citrus Zing: Stir in the juice of an orange or lemon along with the other sauce ingredients for a vibrant, citrusy lift to the dish.
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for cubed firm tofu, ensuring to press it first to remove excess moisture for a delightful plant-based alternative.
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Sweet Potato Variation: Add diced sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to make a hearty, vegetable-rich meal that mixes beautifully with the chicken.
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Asian Flair: Include a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end for added nutty flavor and a delightful aroma that enhances your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.
Embrace your culinary creativity, and consider pairing this dish with sides like Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Balsamic Strawberry Chicken for a delightful dining experience!
Storage Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's fully cooled before sealing for the best freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label with the date to keep track of freshness and enjoy on busy nights!
Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Flavor Enhancement: Believe it or not, the flavors of your Bourbon Chicken deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious than the first serving!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken thighs?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken thighs for your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, look for boneless, skinless options that are plump and firm. Avoid any that have dark spots or a slimy texture, as these can indicate spoilage. Fresh chicken should give slightly when pressed and should have a clean scent.
How should I store leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Absolutely! Store leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just label with the date, and it will be ready for quick meals anytime!
Can I freeze Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Yes! Freezing is a great option for preserving leftovers. To freeze, divide the dish into meal-sized portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat until warmed through.
What if my sauce isn’t thickening properly?
If your sauce isn’t thickening, don’t worry! First, make sure you've prepared a smooth slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water thoroughly before adding it. If it still looks thin, try cooking it for an extra 5–10 minutes uncovered, stirring frequently to allow steam to escape, which will help thicken it.
Can my pet have this dish?
Not really! While the chicken itself is safe for many pets, the ingredients like garlic and soy sauce can be harmful to them. It's always best to keep human food separate from pet food. If you want to share, set aside some plain cooked chicken for your furry friend without any seasoning!
Is there a way to make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken healthier?
Very! You can make this dish lighter by using less sugar or swapping out the brown sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or agave. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables either in the sauce or served alongside can create a more balanced meal without compromising on flavor.
Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- to taste red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Thickening the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving
- to taste chopped green onions
- to serve cooked white rice (or brown/cauliflower rice)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Cook the Chicken: Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the chicken cook for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs and shred them with forks.
- Create the Slurry: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker, and cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice.
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