Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I shuffled through the spice cabinet looking for inspiration, I stumbled upon a half-empty bottle of bourbon that seemed to whisper possibilities. That’s when I decided to whip up a dish that would make weeknight dinners feel like special occasions: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. This easy dinner recipe brings together tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce infused with hints of garlic and ginger, transforming your typical meal into something extraordinary. Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a joy to prepare—just set it and forget it! Curious about how to make a dish that perfectly balances comfort and flavor, all while delivering a wholesome dose of protein? Let’s dive in! Why is Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken a favorite? Unforgettable Flavors: The bourbon-infused sauce melds sweet and savory notes, making every bite a delightful experience. Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your home. Versatile Ingredients: Enjoy various adaptations, like adding spicy jalapeños or fresh vegetables—creativity is welcome! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and let your crock pot do the work; dinner awaits you at the end of a busy day! Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Offers moisture and tenderness; thighs yield juicier results than breasts. For the Sauce • Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and depth; feel free to adjust for preferred sweetness. • Soy Sauce – Provides that essential umami flavor; opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier choice. • Bourbon Whiskey – Infuses the sauce with a unique flavor; for non-alcoholic options, apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract work well. • Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the sweetness with its tangy acidity. • Ground Ginger – Adds warmth and spice; fresh ginger is a fantastic substitute. • Honey – Enhances sweetness; can be omitted or swapped based on personal taste. • Red Pepper Flakes – Introduces a hint of heat; adjust to achieve your desired spice level. • Garlic – Elevates the overall flavor; fresh minced garlic is highly recommended. For Thickening • Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, ensuring a sticky coating for the chicken. • Water – Used for creating the cornstarch slurry to achieve that perfect texture. For Garnishing • Green Onions – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor; sprinkle generously before serving. Now that you have your ingredients ready, prepare to indulge in a comforting, protein-rich meal with this delightful Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Step 1: Prepare Chicken Begin by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs and then cut them into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a perfect texture. Place the chopped chicken into your crock pot, creating a base for the flavorful sauce to coat every piece during cooking. Step 2: Mix Sauce In a mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. The goal is to create a smooth and well-blended sauce that marries the sweet and savory flavors. This delightful mixture will serve as a luscious glaze for your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Step 3: Combine in Crock Pot Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken pieces in the crock pot. Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce. This crucial step sets the stage for the rich flavors to infuse into the chicken as it cooks throughout the day. Step 4: Set Cooking Time Cover your crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. As the chicken simmers, it will become tender and soak up the wonderful bourbon-infused sauce, creating an irresistible aroma that enhances your dining experience. Step 5: Thicken Sauce Once the cooking time is complete and your chicken is tender, carefully remove the chicken pieces using tongs and set them aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot. Return the chicken to the pot and let it cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a velvety texture. Step 6: Serve Finally, ladle the savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken onto plates or over bowls of rice. For a refreshing touch, garnish generously with chopped green onions, adding a burst of color and flavor. Your family and friends won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this mouthwatering dish! Storage Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making for a tasty next-day meal! Freezer: To freeze, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to moisten the chicken if needed. Meal Prep: For easy make-ahead meals, prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge and simply pour into the crock pot in the morning for delicious, effortless dining. What to Serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Transform your simple dinner into an unforgettable feast with these delightful pairings that enhance the flavors of your bourbon-infused chicken. Fluffy White Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful sauce, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying. Steamed Broccoli: Offers a fresh, crunchy contrast that balances the rich, sticky sauce and adds vibrant color to your plate. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that serves as a light option, soaking up the bourbon flavor without the extra calories. Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the sauce, this crispy and warm addition adds an aromatic element to your meal. Honey Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness aligns beautifully with the bourbon sauce, creating a comforting harmony of flavors. Coleslaw: This refreshing and tangy side brings both crunch and brightness, cutting through the intensity of the dish. Pairing any of these sides with your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken will elevate your dining experience, making it one to remember! Expert Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality chicken and ingredients. They contribute significantly to the flavor and overall success of your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Cooking Timings: Keep an eye on the cooking times to prevent overcooking. Chicken thighs will become dry if left too long in the crock pot, so check around the 4-hour mark on low settings. Thick Sauce: If you find your sauce is too thin, don’t hesitate to add more cornstarch mixed with water. This will help achieve the desired sticky consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken. Flavor Enhancement: Feel free to experiment with the spice level! Adding extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can elevate your dish and cater to your family’s taste buds. Storage Solution: Leftovers actually improve in flavor after a day in the fridge. Store your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to enjoy delicious leftover meals. Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Variations Feel free to embrace your culinary creativity with these delicious twists on the classic recipe! Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and a splash of color. Spicy Kick: Increase the heat with more red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños for an exciting flavor adventure! Bourbon-Free: For a non-alcoholic option, substitute bourbon with apple juice or a touch of vanilla extract. This will lend sweetness without the booze. Citrus Twist: Incorporate some fresh orange or lemon juice into the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the dish! Sweetness Variation: Swap out light brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a unique sweet profile that pairs well with the savory elements. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic depth, making your dish even more inviting. Asian Inspiration: Enhance the flavor with a splash of sesame oil or garnish with sesame seeds, drawing inspiration from Asian cuisine. If you enjoy flavor-packed, comforting recipes, consider exploring our Thai Chicken Soup or try the Fiery Chicken Ramen for a spicy kick that’ll warm your soul! Make Ahead Options These Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken preparations are a game changer for busy weeknights! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply trim and cut the chicken thighs, then mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Combine the chicken and sauce in the crock pot and cover it tightly before refrigerating. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring your dish is just as delicious the next day. When you’re ready to serve, simply set the crock pot to cook, and enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort—perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? Absolutely! I recommend chicken thighs for this recipe as they provide the moisture and tenderness you want. If you prefer, chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they may not yield the same juiciness. Look for thighs that are plump and free of dark spots or blemishes for the best quality. How long can I store leftovers of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? You can keep your delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting, making your next meal even tastier! Just be sure to keep it sealed to maintain freshness. Can I freeze Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? Absolutely! For freezing, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist. What should I do if my sauce is too thin? If you find your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, don’t worry! Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce while it’s on low heat in the crock pot, and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency. It’s a simple fix that can elevate your dish! Is Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Great question! This recipe does contain soy sauce, which may not be suitable for individuals with soy allergies. However, you can easily substitute it with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Additionally, I suggest using low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake. For a non-alcoholic version, apple juice or apple cider would make excellent substitutes for bourbon. Can I add vegetables to my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? Very much! Feel free to enhance your dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas—toss them in during the last hour of cooking so they maintain a bit of crunch. This not only adds nutrition but also allows for a colorful and vibrant presentation! Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: A Simple Southern Delight This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken features tender chicken in a savory bourbon-infused sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsThickening Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: SouthernCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 lbs Chicken Thighs Offers moisture and tenderness.For the Sauce1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar Contributes sweetness.1/2 cup Soy Sauce Opt for low-sodium if desired.1/2 cup Bourbon Whiskey Can substitute with apple juice.1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar Balances sweetness.1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Fresh ginger is an excellent substitute.1 tablespoon Honey Can be omitted if preferred.1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic recommended.For Thickening2 tablespoons Cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.1/4 cup Water For cornstarch slurry.For Garnishing2 tablespoons Green Onions Adds color and fresh flavor. Equipment Crock Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsTrim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place in crock pot.In a bowl, whisk together light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to make the sauce.Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot and stir gently to coat.Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours.After cooking, remove chicken and mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the sauce. Return chicken to pot and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken on plates, garnished with chopped green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 26gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best flavor, use high-quality fresh ingredients. Adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking chicken thighs. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
