Sizzling Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe for Flavor Lovers

My kitchen often buzzes with excitement when bourbon chicken simmers slowly in the crockpot, releasing incredible aromas that make everyone’s stomach growl.

Lazy weekend cooking becomes magical with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender chicken pieces marinate beautifully in a sweet and tangy sauce that caramelizes gently throughout the day.

Slow cooking ensures each bite melts with rich, complex flavors that dance between smoky bourbon notes and subtle sweetness.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special when you let this recipe work its delicious magic.

Serve over fluffy rice or crisp vegetables to complete an incredibly satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary dish.

Why Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Is Loved By All

• Savor Slow-Cooking Magic: This crockpot recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax.
• Unleash Bold Flavor Combinations: The brilliant blend of soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes creates a complex, sweet-and-spicy sauce that elevates ordinary chicken to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• Perfect Family Dinner Solution: Incredibly versatile and kid-friendly, this dish serves beautifully over rice and allows for easy customization of spice levels to suit everyone's taste preferences.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: With just a few simple steps of mixing ingredients and letting the crockpot work its magic, you'll have a delectable meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Everything For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this slow-cooked dish.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Bourbon: A sweet and savory combination that creates a rich, complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and a subtle spicy warmth to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat and adds a subtle kick to the overall dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: A simple mixture that helps to thicken and glossify the sauce, giving it a more appealing consistency.

• Green Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds a bright, mild onion flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Stepwise Cooking Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prep Tender Chicken Thighs

Position chicken thighs evenly across the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they are not overlapping for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Bourbon whiskey
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk all ingredients until well blended and pour the entire mixture over the chicken thighs.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low temperature. Allow chicken to simmer and absorb flavors for 4-5 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender.

Step 4: Shred the Succulent Meat

Carefully remove chicken thighs from the crockpot. Using two forks, gently pull apart and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Thicken Luxurious Sauce

In a separate small bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir this mixture into the existing sauce inside the crockpot to create a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Meat and Sauce

Return shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to ensure each piece is generously coated with the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the bourbon chicken over steamed white rice. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, crisp finish.

Useful Advice For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and easier shredding.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor.
• Reduce red pepper flakes for milder heat or omit completely for sensitive palates.
• Thicken sauce quickly by whisking cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps.
• Enhance meal prep by freezing cooked chicken in sauce for future quick dinners.

New Spins For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Spicy Asian Fusion: Replace bourbon with rice wine and add sriracha for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Honey Mustard Version: Swap bourbon for honey and dijon mustard, creating a tangy and sweet chicken dish.
• Tropical Caribbean Spin: Substitute bourbon with rum and add pineapple juice for a Caribbean-inspired marinade.
• Maple Bourbon Maple: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and keep bourbon for a rich, woodsy taste.

Dishes To Enjoy With Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Elevate Bourbon Chicken Flavor Pairings
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Gewürztraminer complement the sweet and tangy bourbon sauce, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Honey-glazed carrots or caramelized brussels sprouts echo the dish's sweet-savory profile, creating a harmonious plate.
• Match with Craft Beer: Amber ale or wheat beer provides a malty backbone that stands up to the robust bourbon and soy sauce flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve with crunchy Asian-style coleslaw to add a fresh, crisp element that balances the tender, saucy chicken.

Storing Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Safely

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour chicken into a skillet, add splash of water or chicken broth.

Top Questions For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?

No, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that still provides great flavor depth.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine, but they might dry out faster, so reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours to prevent overcooking.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The recipe has a mild heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce red pepper flakes or omit them completely; for more heat, increase the amount.

• What if I don't have cornstarch for thickening?

You can use flour as an alternative thickener. Mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with water and add to the sauce to achieve similar consistency.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent crockpot bourbon chicken delivers Southern comfort with complex flavors that dance across palates. Slow-simmered tender meat glazed in rich bourbon sauce promises a memorable meal you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup bourbon

Aromatics and Spices:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Thickener:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Whisk together a robust marinade combining soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, bourbon, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Thoroughly drench the chicken with this fragrant mixture.
3. Seal the crockpot and allow the chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
4. Carefully extract the tender chicken and use two forks to delicately shred the meat into succulent pieces.
5. Create a quick thickening agent by blending cornstarch with water until smooth, then gently incorporate into the existing cooking liquid to transform the sauce into a glossy consistency.
6. Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the enriched sauce, stirring to ensure complete coating. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to harmonize.
7. Transfer the bourbon-infused chicken onto a bed of fluffy rice, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• For a kid-friendly version, replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth to maintain flavor depth without alcohol.
• Reduce red pepper flakes or omit completely for those who prefer milder dishes, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
• Trim chicken thigh fat before cooking to create a leaner dish and prevent excess greasiness in the final sauce.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content, making this recipe more heart-healthy and diet-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg