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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 24 reviews

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory slow-cooked dish made with tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful bourbon sauce. With a perfect balance of brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of spice, this recipe is an easy and comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying and hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

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
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Thickening & Garnish

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker to form an even layer.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until well combined.
  3. Cook Chicken in Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the thighs are well coated. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred or Chop Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it to your preferred texture using forks or knives.
  5. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker, stir well to coat with the sauce, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve the bourbon chicken over your choice of white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide a juicier and more tender result.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
  • For an alcohol-free version, replace bourbon with an equal amount of chicken broth and a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Cooked chicken and sauce leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, crock pot chicken, easy dinner recipes, sweet and savory chicken, bourbon sauce chicken