Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/crock-pot-bourbon-chicken-recipe/
