Irresistible Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe for Lazy Sundays

Slow-cooker bourbon chicken brings a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Tender meat marinates in a rich, caramelized sauce that transforms an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Fragrant spices and smooth bourbon create a complex profile that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Weeknight meals become effortless when you let your crock pot do the heavy lifting.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Succulent chicken absorbs every drop of the incredible sauce, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe guarantees a delicious dinner that impresses without complicated techniques or hours of kitchen work.

What Makes Bourbon Chicken in the Crock Pot a Hit

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy households craving delicious dinner solutions.
• Burst with Flavor: Combines sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes from bourbon, honey, and red pepper flakes, creating a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies different taste preferences and dietary needs, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker method ensures tender, juicy chicken without the need for constant attention, allowing you to multitask while preparing a delectable dinner.

Everything That Goes Into Bourbon Chicken Bliss

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, dark meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Bourbon, Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Honey, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that coats the chicken with deep flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Ground Ginger, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add warmth, spice, and aromatic depth to the chicken's marinade.
• Cornstarch, Water: Help thicken the sauce for a more luxurious coating.

• Green Onions: Optional fresh topping that adds a mild, crisp finish to the dish.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Effortlessly

Step 1: Nestle Chicken Thighs

Place chicken thighs evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a single layer that allows even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Blend Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Bourbon
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Ground ginger
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Whisk all ingredients together until thoroughly blended and smooth, creating a rich, complex sauce.

Step 3: Marinate and Slow Cook

Pour the entire sauce mixture directly over the chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage. Cover the slow cooker and select your preferred cooking method: low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

The chicken is ready when it becomes tender and fully cooked through.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Consistency

For a more luxurious sauce texture, carefully remove 1/4 cup of cooking liquid.

Whisk cornstarch and water into this extracted liquid, then return the mixture to the slow cooker. Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the succulent chicken and rich sauce over steamed rice. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Enjoy your delectable meal straight from the slow cooker.

Winning Tips for the Juiciest Bourbon Chicken

• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and cutting back on added salt for a heart-healthier meal.
• Thicken sauce naturally by removing chicken and reducing liquid on sauté mode or stovetop before serving.
• Add extra depth by caramelizing garlic and ginger in a pan before mixing into the sauce for enhanced aromatics.
• Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain chicken's tenderness.

Fun Flavor Spins for Bourbon Chicken Fans

• Spicy Island Edition: Replace bourbon with dark rum, add diced pineapple chunks, and sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for a tropical heat kick.
• Asian Fusion Remix: Swap bourbon for rice wine, incorporate hoisin sauce, and top with toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Chinese restaurant feel.
• Maple BBQ Spin: Use maple whiskey instead of bourbon, mix in smoky BBQ sauce, and garnish with crispy bacon bits for a rich, hearty flavor profile.
• Garden Fresh Version: Include fresh ginger instead of ground, add julienned bell peppers and carrots during cooking, and finish with fresh cilantro for a veggie-packed meal.

Satisfying Sides to Go with Bourbon Chicken

• Bourbon-Friendly Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruity notes that complement the sweet and tangy bourbon chicken sauce, balancing the dish's rich flavors without overpowering the meat.
• Zesty Side Salad Companion: Create a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to cut through the chicken's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy main dish.
• Perfect Rice Enhancement: Choose jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the flavorful sauce, adding an aromatic dimension that elevates the overall dining experience and provides a delicate textural base for the tender bourbon chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Bourbon Chicken Smoothly

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little liquid to maintain moisture. Stir gently and cook until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Your Top Bourbon Chicken Questions, Answered

• Is bourbon chicken spicy?

The dish has a mild heat from crushed red pepper flakes, providing a subtle kick without being overly spicy.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs are more flavorful and tender due to higher fat content.

• Do I need real bourbon for this recipe?

While authentic bourbon gives the best flavor, you can substitute with apple juice or chicken broth if needed.

• How can I reduce the sweetness in the recipe?

Cut back on honey and brown sugar, or balance the sweetness by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Bourbon Chicken brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with tender meat marinated in rich whiskey-infused sauce. Slow cooker magic delivers hearty flavor that pulls you into a culinary embrace perfect for family gatherings or weeknight comfort meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Liquid and Flavor Base:

• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey

Seasoning and Sauce Components:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Thickening Agent (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken thighs evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a single layer for uniform cooking.
2. Create a robust marinade by vigorously blending bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Generously pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and immersed in the flavorful liquid.
4. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer gently for 6-7 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
5. For an enhanced sauce consistency, carefully extract 1/4 cup of cooking liquid and whisk with cornstarch and water to create a quick thickening agent.
6. Reincorporate the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, continuing to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to develop a rich, glossy sauce.
7. Transfer the succulent chicken to a serving platter, drizzling with the reduced sauce and garnishing with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
8. Serve immediately over steamed rice, allowing the aromatic bourbon-infused chicken to be the centerpiece of the meal.

Notes

• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or cutting total sweetener amount by half for a healthier adaptation.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken thighs with chicken breasts or pork tenderloin while maintaining similar cooking times and sauce proportions.
• Optimize sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch mixture, stirring consistently to prevent clumping and achieve desired consistency without overwhelming the delicate chicken texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-7 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 323
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 682 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg