Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce, it’s simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with rice. Enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it is fully covered.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crock pot.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce. You may shred the chicken or keep it whole, depending on your preference, and stir to coat.
8. Step 8: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, sear the chicken before slow cooking, but you can skip this to save time.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will stay juicier and more tender.
• Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Try garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a slightly different twist.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well but may be less tender and slightly drier than thighs. Adjust cooking time if needed to avoid overcooking.

Is the bourbon flavor strong in this dish?

The bourbon adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce without overpowering the dish. Most of the alcohol cooks off during the slow cooking process.

Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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A flavorful and easy-to-make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe featuring tender slow-cooked chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce, perfect served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickener

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional for Searing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)

For Serving

• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, until well combined.
3. Add to Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared bourbon sauce over the chicken, making sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce remaining in the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Shred or Leave Chicken Whole: Decide whether to shred the chicken or leave it whole. Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat thoroughly.
7. Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, searing the chicken before slow cooking is recommended but optional.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste preference for sweetness.
• Crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
• Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• If you prefer, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, though thighs remain juicier after slow cooking.

Keywords: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Bourbon Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken