Introduction

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sweet and savory sauce that pairs wonderfully with rice. Let your slow cooker do the work for a delicious meal with minimal effort.

A close-up image of a black slow cooker filled with small chicken wings covered in shiny, thick orange-brown sauce, garnished with small pieces of chopped green herbs scattered evenly across the top. The wings are packed closely together, showing a glossy, sticky texture from the sauce. The background is a white marbled surface, making the slow cooker and the vibrant colors of the chicken wings stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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 to enhance flavor.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3: Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes to thicken.
Step 6: Shred the chicken or leave whole based on preference. Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Step 7: 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 it’s fine to skip this step for a quicker prep.
Substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option, though thighs stay juicier in slow cooking.
Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like a spicier kick.
Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round plate with six chicken wings covered in a shiny, reddish-orange sauce arranged around the edge. In the center, there is a small white bowl filled with fresh vegetable sticks: bright orange carrot sticks and light green celery sticks standing upright. The chicken wings look juicy and slightly sticky, while the vegetable sticks are crisp and smooth. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. Adjust cooking time accordingly and consider searing to lock in moisture.

Is the bourbon flavor strong in this dish?

The bourbon cooking in the sauce creates a subtle, rich flavor without being overpowering. Most of the alcohol cooks off during the slow cooking process, leaving behind a warm sweetness.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful meal, slow-cooked in a rich bourbon sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. It’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights. The dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds to enhance its vibrant taste and presentation.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high) plus 20-30 minutes thickening
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)

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)

Thickening Slurry

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

To Serve

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

Instructions

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 adds a deeper flavor but can be skipped to save time.
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. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add to Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the bourbon sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are submerged in the liquid for optimal flavor infusion.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and becomes tender enough to shred or serve whole.
Thicken the Sauce: When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Shred or Leave Chicken Whole: Depending on preference, shred the chicken using two forks or leave the pieces whole. Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the rich bourbon glaze.
Serve: Spoon the bourbon chicken over freshly cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your savory, comforting meal!

Notes

For a stronger bourbon flavor, use a high-quality bourbon whiskey.
Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds extra depth of flavor but is optional.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level or omit entirely for mild taste.
Use low sodium soy sauce to manage saltiness in the dish.
To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: bourbon chicken, crock pot recipes, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken dinner, bourbon sauce, comfort food