Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a meal that practically makes itself? This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without much prep. The chicken thighs cook up tender and juicy, absorbing the bourbon-infused sauce for a deep, sweet, and savory flavor. The sauce thickens beautifully towards the end, creating a rich glaze that’s perfect to pour over rice. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

• ⅓ cup bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¾ cup soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. Season the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs with kosher salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.

2. In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup bourbon, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir well to combine.

3. Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.

4. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours.

5. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce to thicken it.

6. Once the chicken is done, serve it over rice and garnish with green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 4 hours 30 minutes

• Servings: 6 people

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon sauce to bring in some heat.

• Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them for the thighs, but keep in mind that they might cook a bit quicker and could be less tender.

• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you don’t want to use alcohol, substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that breasts are leaner and may cook faster, so you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth for a similar flavor profile.

3. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on high for about 3 hours. The low and slow method helps the chicken become extra tender, but high will still work.

4. How do I thicken the sauce?

You can thicken the sauce by creating a cornstarch slurry with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water, then whisking it into the sauce 30 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

6. What should I serve with Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A simple side salad also works great!

8. How do I make this recipe less sweet?

If you find the sauce too sweet, reduce the brown sugar to ½ cup or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.

9. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the crockpot to make the dish more hearty. Just chop them up and add them with the chicken.

10. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high for 12-15 minutes. Make sure to do a quick release when done and thicken the sauce with cornstarch.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With minimal prep time, this dish delivers a mouthwatering meal your family will love. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to serve it with some rice to soak up the delicious sauce!

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This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe brings the classic flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen, with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce that slowly simmers to perfection. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth meal that's full of rich, bold flavors, making it a family favorite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 people
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

⅓ cup bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth

¾ cup brown sugar

¾ cup soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

1. Season the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs with kosher salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup bourbon, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir well to combine.
3. Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
4. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before the chicken is done cooking, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
6. Once the chicken is done, serve it over rice and garnish with green onions.

Notes

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon sauce to bring in some heat.
• Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, you can substitute them for the thighs, but keep in mind that they might cook a bit quicker and could be less tender.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you don’t want to use alcohol, substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 95mg