Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked chicken thighs simmer in a sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce, making it a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 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
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs in an even layer to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Step 2: 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. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it to your preferred texture. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker to thicken it.
6. Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir to combine with the thickened sauce, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors further.
7. Step 7: Turn off the slow cooker and garnish the bourbon chicken with chopped green onions before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in the slow cooker.
• To make the dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Adding a splash of orange juice to the sauce adds a citrusy brightness that complements the bourbon flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The sauce may thicken further overnight, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed to thin it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and to ensure the sauce develops its full flavor. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and verify the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.

What can I serve with bourbon chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed vegetables or a simple green salad also complement the rich flavors well.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and tender meal made with boneless skinless chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce. Perfect for a cozy and effortless dinner, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions for a touch of brightness. Serve it over white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a delicious and comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 and Garnish

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Trim and clean the boneless skinless chicken thighs to ensure they are ready for cooking.
2. Arrange in slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until well combined.
4. Pour sauce over chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Cook the chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
6. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it into your preferred texture, then set aside.
7. Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker to thicken it.
8. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix well with the thickened sauce, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
9. Finish and garnish: Turn off the slow cooker. Garnish the bourbon chicken with chopped green onions before serving.
10. Serving suggestion: Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Notes

• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Bourbon adds a distinct flavor; ensure alcohol is cooked off during slow cooking.
• The sauce thickens nicely with cornstarch slurry; add gradually to control thickness.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Serve with rice or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice to suit dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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