Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Introduction

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky bourbon sauce. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to soak in all the savory goodness, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken pieces that are perfect over rice or served with your favorite side dishes. The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a rich sauce that caramelizes slightly, offering a deliciously sticky glaze on the chicken.

I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering—the aroma as it cooked was absolutely mouthwatering, and everyone couldn’t wait to dive in. The bourbon sauce has just the right balance of sweetness and depth, while the chicken remains so tender it practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home and leaves you satisfied with every bite.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just toss everything into the crock pot, let it cook low and slow, and in a few hours, you’ll have a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or craving a comforting meal, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Meal prepping
• Potlucks
• Bourbon lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Here’s why Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken will become your go-to recipe:

• Slow Cooker Convenience: The crock pot does all the work, making this an incredibly easy and hands-off recipe.
• Rich Flavor: The bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce create a deep, savory-sweet sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
• Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the chicken comes out tender and juicy every time.
• Perfectly Glazed: The sauce reduces and thickens in the slow cooker, creating a perfect glaze that clings to the chicken.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add spices like garlic, ginger, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (using the slow cooker)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 29g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• ¾ cup bourbon (choose a decent quality bourbon for best results)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium works best)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bourbon: The bourbon imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the sauce, giving the chicken a depth of taste that is both savory and slightly sweet.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar balances the savory notes from the soy sauce and bourbon, creating a lovely caramelized glaze on the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, helping to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking, giving it a sticky, glaze-like consistency.
• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender when slow-cooked. However, you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. You can use chicken breasts as well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Thicken the Sauce:

5. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
6. Add the Slurry: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken into a glaze.

Serve and Enjoy:

7. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Otherwise, serve the chicken as whole pieces.
8. Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken over rice or with your favorite side dishes like vegetables or mashed potatoes. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty meal, serve the bourbon chicken over mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to mix with the potatoes.
• On a Bun: For a quick and fun variation, serve the bourbon chicken on a bun to make a delicious sandwich.
• As a Meal Prep Option: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Divide the chicken and sauce into containers with rice or vegetables for easy lunches throughout the week.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay moist and tender. If using chicken breasts, be sure to monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your preferred sweetness level. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener.
• Add Heat: If you like a little spice, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Make It More Savory: For a more savory flavor, you can add extra soy sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly or cook the sauce uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce it.
• Skip the Alcohol (Optional): If you don’t want to use bourbon, you can substitute with apple cider or apple juice, though the flavor will be different.
• Shred the Chicken for Tacos: Use the shredded bourbon chicken to make delicious tacos or burritos with toppings like slaw, avocado, or sour cream.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicier version of the dish.
• Garlic Bourbon Chicken: Increase the garlic for an extra burst of flavor, or add garlic powder if you prefer.
• Honey Bourbon Chicken: Substitute honey for brown sugar for a more nuanced sweetness with a hint of floral flavor.
• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker for a tropical twist.
• Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken and Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
• Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry: After cooking, remove the chicken and sauce, then stir-fry the chicken with vegetables and serve over noodles or rice.
• Bourbon Chicken with Bourbon Sauce: Double the sauce ingredients and serve it as a dipping sauce alongside the chicken.
• Bourbon Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of thighs for a fun, finger-licking twist.
• Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
• Bourbon Chicken with Rice Pilaf: Pair the chicken with a flavorful rice pilaf for a more savory side dish.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or zip-top bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Store leftover bourbon chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the chicken is covered with the sauce to keep it moist.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken easier:

• Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker is essential for this recipe. A 4-6 quart size should be perfect for this dish.
• Whisk: A small whisk is helpful for mixing the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
• Tongs: Use tongs to easily remove the chicken from the slow cooker without shredding it if you prefer to serve it whole.
• Rice Cooker: If you’re serving the chicken with rice, a rice cooker can help ensure perfect rice every time.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
2. Can I make this dish without bourbon?
   Yes, you can substitute bourbon with apple cider or apple juice, though the flavor will be different.
3. Can I cook this on the stove instead of in a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken in a large pan on the stove. Cook the chicken in the sauce over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The chicken should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork, or it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the larger amount of chicken and sauce.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. With minimal effort, this slow cooker recipe turns simple chicken into a tender, juicy meal infused with a rich bourbon sauce. The sauce—packed with bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and other flavorful ingredients—creates a sticky, glossy glaze that sticks to the chicken, making each bite irresistible.

Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Its rich, bold flavors and tender texture make it an ideal dish for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing this simple yet amazing recipe with your loved ones!