Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s packed with bold flavors and minimal effort, meet your new favorite weeknight hero: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. This dish mingles tender chicken thighs with a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection until the flavors meld together deliciously. Whether you reach for bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth, the sauce delivers warmth and depth that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken are gloriously simple, yet each one brings an essential element to the finished dish. From the juicy chicken thighs to the syrupy sauce, here’s how everything works together to create those irresistible flavors and textures.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay extra juicy during hours in the slow cooker and soak up all that saucy goodness.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and ensure every bite is just right.
• Bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth: This makes the sauce sing! Bourbon offers a little kick and caramel notes, but apple juice or broth can swap in easily for a family-friendly version.
• Brown sugar: Melts into the sauce for sweetness and body, balancing out the salty and tangy elements.
• Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and that mouthwatering, umami punch every good sauce needs.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with a subtle aromatic kick—no bland chicken here.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce at the end, turning it into a glossy, clingy coating for the chicken.
• Cold water: Essential for mixing with cornstarch to avoid lumps and help that sauce thicken smoothly.

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and pepper on both sides. Then, nestle each piece into the bottom of your crockpot. This simple step jump-starts flavor and ensures the chicken cooks evenly in the sauce.

Step 2: Mix Up the Signature Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the bourbon (or your favorite substitute), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved and everything looks well blended. Pour this irresistible mixture directly over the chicken in the crockpot, coating every piece.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and let the magic happen! Set to low for about 4 hours, or boost it to high for 3 hours if you’re short on time. The gentle cooking draws out sweetness and lets the chicken become meltingly tender while the sauce thickens just enough.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before the Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is ready, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth and lump-free. Open the lid and briskly whisk the slurry into the sauce. Return the lid and continue cooking; soon you’ll notice the sauce turning luxuriously glossy and thick, just the way it should be!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce is perfectly thickened, it’s time to serve. Spoon the saucy chicken over mounds of steamed rice, spooning extra sauce over top so every grain is coated in that delicious glaze.

How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish of thinly sliced green onions scattered over the top adds a fresh, oniony crunch that brightens each bite. For extra color and crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a scattering of chopped cilantro.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken feels right at home atop a bed of fluffy white rice, but don’t stop there! Pair it with steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or even a crisp cabbage slaw for contrast. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is just as satisfying, soaking up all that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basic rice bowl! Shred the chicken and tuck it into lettuce cups, spoon it into soft sandwich buns for Asian-inspired sliders, or drizzle the sauce over crispy roasted potatoes. A family dinner or a casual get-together, Crockpot Bourbon Chicken adapts to fit the moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crockpot Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors seem to deepen and become even richer after a little time together.

Freezing

Freeze cooled portions in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. To make reheating easy, consider portioning the chicken and sauce into smaller bags, pressing out excess air before sealing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. For single servings, the microwave works well too; just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be substituted if you prefer a leaner cut. Keep in mind that chicken thighs remain more tender and juicy after slow cooking, while breasts can dry out more easily. Just watch the cooking time closely.

Does bourbon cook off in the slow cooker?

Most of the alcohol from the bourbon will evaporate during the long, slow cooking process, leaving behind its signature flavor. If you want a totally alcohol-free version, apple juice or chicken broth works as a flavorful substitute.

Can I make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This dish tastes fantastic when made ahead and reheated, as the sauce continues to infuse the chicken with flavor. Simply store it in the fridge after cooling and reheat when ready to serve.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If your crew loves a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture before slow cooking. Adjust to taste—the beauty of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is how customizable it can be!

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

For that perfect, glossy finish, be sure to whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, and then add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This thickens the sauce without any lumps and gives your chicken that classic, sticky glaze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that tastes like a special treat but fits into any busy schedule, give Crockpot Bourbon Chicken a try. It’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your dinner table with smiles—so grab your slow cooker and enjoy this irresistible favorite tonight!

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