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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Arrange chicken thighs evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a single layer for uniform cooking.
- 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.
- Generously pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and immersed in the flavorful liquid.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reincorporate the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, continuing to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to develop a rich, glossy sauce.
- 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.
- 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