Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

The aroma of tender chicken simmering with a sweet and tangy glaze fills the air as you enter your kitchen. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is not only easy to prepare but requires minimal effort for a delightful meal that the whole family will love. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful meal. You can make it ahead of time, allowing for easy lunch or dinner options throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It features tender, fall-apart chicken thighs that soak in a rich, flavorful sauce.
• The slow-cooking method enhances the depth of the bourbon-infused flavors.
• Preparation takes only minutes, leaving you free for the day.
• The dish pairs wonderfully with rice, absorbing every bit of the tasty sauce.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious meal.

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skinless and well trimmed

For the Sauce

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup bourbon whisky
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Thickening the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Serving

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Substitution note: Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts.
• Bourbon whisky can be substituted with apple juice.
• Use agave syrup instead of honey if preferred.
• Apple cider vinegar can be swapped for rice vinegar.

How to Make It

Start your slow cooker journey with this simple recipe.

1. Place

Put the chicken thighs into the slow cooker.

2. Mix

In a medium mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients (except the cornstarch, water, and green onions). Mix together with a whisk.

3. Pour

Pour the sauce over the top of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

4. Cover

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender.

5. Chop

Remove the chicken thighs to a plate and roughly chop them.

6. Combine

Add the cornstarch and water to a mixing bowl and mix until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot and mix with a whisk.

7. Stir

Add the chicken back to the sauce, stir to combine, then cover again. Allow to come back to bubbling, then turn off the crock pot.

8. Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve over rice.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control spiciness to your preference.
• Serve over jasmine or basmati rice for the best texture and flavor pairing.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Serve during family gatherings or casual dinner parties for a crowd-pleaser.
• Enjoy as a make-ahead dish for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.