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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Nestle chicken thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- 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.
- Seal the crockpot and allow the chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
- Carefully extract the tender chicken and use two forks to delicately shred the meat into succulent pieces.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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