Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of slow-cooked bourbon chicken. This recipe delivers all the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of your favorite takeout dish with the ease of a Crock Pot. No need to stand over a hot stove—just set it, forget it, and enjoy a delicious meal hours later!

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving a comforting meal with minimal effort. With a sticky, slightly smoky sauce infused with soy, brown sugar, and, of course, bourbon, every bite is packed with flavor.

Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this dish is a fantastic addition to your slow cooker rotation. Serve it over rice for a complete meal or alongside fresh veggies for a healthier twist.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this bourbon chicken is sure to be a new favorite. Plus, it’s just as delicious when reheated, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a fuss-free meal.
Takeout Favorite at Home: Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of your favorite bourbon chicken without leaving your house.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps!

Perfect Pairings

Side Dishes: Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or stir-fried vegetables complement the rich sauce.
Beverages: A crisp iced tea, light beer, or even a bourbon-based cocktail enhances the dish’s flavors.
Dessert: A simple fruit sorbet or a slice of vanilla cake rounds out the meal perfectly.

Tips for Success

Use Chicken Thighs: They stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker compared to chicken breasts.
Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Make it Thicker: If you like a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry.
Double the Batch: This dish freezes well, so make extra and save some for later!

Suzi

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a flavorful, slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken in a sweet, savory bourbon-infused sauce. Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, and family dinners, it's easy to make and pairs well with rice or veggies.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
2 tablespoons water
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it thicken for about 10 minutes on HIGH.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to coat in the thickened sauce.
Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Keyword Chicken Crockpot Recipes, Crockpot dinner, Crockpot Recipes

Common Questions

Can I make this without bourbon?
Yes! You can substitute apple juice for bourbon if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release before thickening the sauce.

Alternatives & Variations

Make it Spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
Try a Different Protein: Swap chicken for pork or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, all in a hassle-free recipe. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want a comforting dish to enjoy, this slow-cooked classic is a winner. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more!