Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe You’ll Crave

Craving a sweet and savory dinner? This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is tender, sticky, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the kind of recipe that feels special but takes almost no effort. You only need a few minutes of prep before the slow cooker does all the work. The sauce is a perfect mix of sweet brown sugar, salty soy, and a little kick from red pepper flakes. Once it cooks down, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender and coated in a sticky glaze that clings to every bite.

Kids and adults love it equally, so it’s a true family pleaser. Because it cooks low and slow, the bourbon (or apple juice substitute) deepens the flavor without leaving behind harsh alcohol notes. This makes it a great option for weeknights, when you want a meal that feels comforting and homemade but doesn’t require standing at the stove. Serve it over rice, and you’ll have a cozy dish that tastes like takeout but with a homestyle twist.

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender after hours of cooking. Soy sauce balances the sweetness of light brown sugar, while bourbon adds depth. Apple cider vinegar brightens the sauce, and honey adds a smooth layer of sweetness. Garlic and ground ginger bring a savory, aromatic base, and red pepper flakes provide a little heat. Cornstarch and water thicken the sauce at the end, turning it glossy and sticky. Green onions give a fresh garnish, and optional sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. For a lighter version, you can swap in chicken breasts or even shred the meat before serving.

Step-by-step instructions

Prepare the chicken

Trim the chicken thighs and place them into a 7-quart crock pot. The thighs work best because they stay tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.

Make the sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The mixture should be smooth and well combined before pouring it over the chicken.

Cook in the crock pot

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Cover with the lid, then cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. As the chicken cooks, it will soak up the sweet and savory sauce while becoming fall-apart tender.

Thicken and finish

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it and roughly chop it. Mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce in the crock pot. Return the chicken, stir everything together, and let it bubble until the sauce thickens. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Recipe tips and helpful notes

The alcohol in bourbon cooks away during the slow cooking process, leaving only flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth. For an extra layer of flavor, stir in ketchup toward the end. Chicken breasts can also work, but be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs. For garnish, toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch, and extra red pepper flakes bring more spice. Always let the sauce bubble after adding cornstarch so it thickens properly. Finally, serve it over white rice to soak up every bit of sauce.

Variations and substitutions

If you prefer shredded chicken, cook the thighs whole and shred them with two forks before returning them to the sauce. For a lighter cut, use chicken breasts instead of thighs. If you’d like a non-alcoholic version, apple juice or chicken broth makes a good substitute for bourbon. You can also adjust the spice level: add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or leave them out entirely for a kid-friendly meal. A splash of ketchup or hoisin sauce changes the flavor profile and adds more body to the sauce.

What to serve with bourbon chicken

Bourbon chicken pairs wonderfully with white rice, which soaks up the sticky sauce. You can also serve it with fried rice for a takeout-style dinner. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables make it a balanced meal. For something cozy, try pairing it with noodles or a light salad.

Equipment needed

You’ll need a 7-quart crock pot to fit all the chicken and sauce comfortably. A mixing bowl and whisk help combine the sauce ingredients quickly. A sharp knife or kitchen shears makes trimming the chicken easier, and a cutting board is handy for chopping it once cooked. Measuring cups and spoons keep ingredient amounts accurate. With just these basics, you’ll be ready to make this simple slow cooker dish.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When reheating from the fridge, warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Explore similar recipes

• cozy Crock Pot chicken and dumplings
• garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker
• creamy chicken enchilada casserole for weeknights
• comforting slow cooker chicken stew
• crockpot cheesy chicken spaghetti

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is one of those meals that feels like a treat yet fits into a busy schedule. With minimal prep, you get tender chicken simmered in a sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy. The flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a dependable family favorite. It’s also flexible: swap in apple juice for bourbon, adjust the spice, or use chicken breasts if you like.

Serve it over rice with veggies, and you’ll have a complete dinner that tastes like comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for weeknights or meal prep, this dish is bound to become a go-to. If you enjoy cozy slow cooker meals, don’t miss our Pinterest recipe board for more delicious ideas.

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