Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, sticky sauce infused with bourbon. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets the slow cooker do the work while filling your home with delicious aromas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and organized.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if using, until well combined.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken pieces into the crock pot and pour the sauce over them. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute chicken breasts but cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
• Use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for a brighter flavor.
• If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or even boneless skinless chicken tenders. Just make sure to cut to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

Is the bourbon flavor very strong?

The bourbon adds a subtle, rich depth without being overpowering. It cooks down with the sauce, leaving a pleasant warmth and complexity.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a delightful slow-cooked dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken thighs simmered in a rich, sticky bourbon sauce infused with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and warming spices. Easy to prepare and perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice, it offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that make for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

To Garnish and Serve

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the recipe to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything prepared helps keep you organized and speeds up the preparation.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces to promote even cooking and better absorption of the sauce. You may substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but keep the pieces uniformly sized.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth and slightly thick. This flavorful sauce will infuse the chicken with its signature taste.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces into the crock pot and pour the prepared sauce over them. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly, ensuring each piece is immersed in the flavorful liquid.
5. Set the Cooking Time: Cover the crock pot and set to cook on low for 4-6 hours for tender, slow-cooked chicken. Alternatively, set on high for 2-3 hours if short on time, but low and slow is preferred for best texture and flavor.
6. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce and create a glossy, sticky coating on the chicken.
7. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the bourbon chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with family and friends.

Notes

• You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred, but thighs yield a more tender and flavorful result.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar for a sweeter or more savory sauce according to taste.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
• Make sure to mix the cornstarch slurry well into the crock pot to avoid lumps when thickening the sauce.
• Serving over steamed white or jasmine rice complements the rich sauce perfectly.

Keywords: Bourbon Chicken, Crock Pot Recipe, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Chicken Thigh Recipe