Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Name: Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488471H39M18S
Total time: PT-488471H39M18S
Cuisine: American
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

Author: Clara Hastings

Published: September 21, 2025

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Introduction to Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Hey there, fellow home cooks! I know how hectic life can get, especially when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything in between. That’s why I’m excited to share my Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot recipe with you. It’s a warm hug on a plate! This dish is not only a quick solution for those busy weeknights, but it also impresses everyone at the dinner table. Just imagine rich, savory flavors mingling with tender chicken, all cooked to perfection while you tackle other tasks. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum taste!

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

This Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot recipe is a true gem for anyone short on time but big on flavor. With just a bit of prep, you can kick back and relax while it slowly cooks away, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. The sweet and savory glaze makes this dish a family favorite, sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s an effortless way to elevate your weeknight dinners!

Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Let’s gather our ingredients for this dazzling Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot! This colorful mix of elements creates that stunning balance of flavors you’ll absolutely love. Don’t worry about memorizing every measurement just yet—you can find them all at the bottom of the article for printing!

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These juicy pieces are perfect for slow cooking, absorbing flavors while staying tender. You can substitute them with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Light brown sugar: This adds a natural sweetness and beautiful caramelization to the sauce, creating that delightful glaze. It’s vital for the overall taste!
Soy sauce: A savory staple, soy sauce enhances the umami flavor profile in the dish, pulling everything together. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Bourbon whiskey: The star of the show! This richness pairs perfectly with the sugar and soy sauce, adding depth to the flavor. Don’t worry; it cooks off, leaving behind a lovely essence!
Apple cider vinegar: This tangy kicker balances the sweetness, preventing the dish from becoming overly sugary. It’s a must-have for flavor balance!
Ground ginger: A pinch of this spice adds warmth and a hint of spice, giving the dish a cozy undertone. Fresh ginger can be a great alternative if you have it on hand!
Honey: This brings an extra layer of sweetness and complexity to the sauce. You can swap it with maple syrup for a twist!
Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat, toss in these fiery flakes! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aromatic base, deepening the flavors in this dish. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce towards the end. A slurry with water will help achieve that perfect texture!
Water: Mixed with cornstarch, it helps create that glossy sauce coating the chicken beautifully.
Chopped green onions: These provide a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color as a garnish. A delightful finishing touch!

How to Make Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Ready to dive into this flavorful adventure? Making Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot is as easy as pie! Follow my step-by-step guide, and I promise you’ll have a delicious dinner without a fuss!

Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.

This layer is crucial as the chicken will soak up all those amazing flavors while cooking.

Take a moment to trim any visible fat too; it makes for a cleaner bite later on!

Mix the Bourbon Sauce

Next, grab a bowl and whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.

This sauce is the heart of our dish, marrying sweet and savory notes.

Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes if you want it spicier; you’re in charge here!

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now it’s time to pour that delicious sauce all over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated!

This simple step sets the stage for maximum flavor absorption.

Your taste buds will thank you later!

Cook the Dish

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about four hours or low for six hours.

This is where the magic happens!

During this time, the chicken transforms into tender goodness, absorbing all those rich, bourbon-infused flavors.

Take a moment to enjoy that aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s heavenly!

Thicken the Sauce

Once the cooking time’s up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker.

You can chop or shred the chicken to your desired texture.

Then, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Stir this magic mixture back into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Let it cook for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Soon enough, you’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully, creating that glossy finish that’s oh-so-inviting!

Garnish and Serve

Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over your Bourbon Chicken for that fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serve this delicious dish over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb delight.

Prepare to bask in the compliments when you serve this delectable creation to your family!

Tips for Success

Always trim excess fat from chicken for a leaner bite.
Marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavors.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your family’s taste preference.
Experiment with adding vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, for a complete meal.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker: The star of the show! If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven works too but will require more attention.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking your sauce together; any medium-sized bowl will do.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy; you can always eyeball if you’re in a pinch!
Cutting board and knife: For trimming and chopping your chicken; a simple kitchen knife gets the job done!

Variations

Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick that’ll warm you up!
Vegetable-Loaded Delight: Toss in colorful bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to create a hearty and nutrition-packed meal.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free bourbon chicken that everyone can enjoy.
Honey-Bourbon Glaze: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a distinct sweet twist on the traditional sauce.
Peach Bourbon Chicken: Add fresh or canned peaches to the mix for a fruity fusion that brightens your dish.

Serving Suggestions for Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Rice Varieties: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even a bed of cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Fresh Greens: Pair with steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for vibrant color and added nutrition.
Chilled Drinks: A crisp iced tea or a light white wine can beautifully complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Presentation: Garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality touch!

FAQs about Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot recipe?
Absolutely! While I love the tenderness of chicken thighs, chicken breasts can work well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster.

How do I store leftovers from my Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy round two!

Can I make this Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This can save you time on busy days!

What if I don’t have bourbon whiskey on hand?
No worries! You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or a splash of white wine. While it won’t taste exactly the same, it’ll still provide a delightful flavor.

How spicy is this Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot recipe?
The spice level can easily be adjusted by changing the amount of red pepper flakes. If you’re cooking for kids or those who prefer mild flavors, feel free to use less or skip it altogether!

Final Thoughts

Making Bourbon Chicken in your crock pot is nothing short of delightful! It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth, from the moment you smell the aromas wafting through your kitchen. I can’t help but smile when my family gathers around the table, sharing stories and savoring every bite of this tender chicken extravaganza. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot recipe is perfect for busy days. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!