Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved those sticky-sweet, boldly savory flavors of takeout, you’re about to fall in love with this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. Tender chicken thighs slowly soak up a rich, glossy sauce with hints of bourbon, brown sugar, and soy — all while you relax and let your slow cooker do the work. A weeknight dinner hero that’s as outrageously delicious as it is easy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It always amazes me how just a few humble pantry staples can meld into something so crave-worthy! Every ingredient here serves a purpose, balancing sweet, salty, and savory notes for that classic Crockpot Bourbon Chicken flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Their richness and tenderness can’t be beat—they stay irresistibly juicy after hours in the slow cooker.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing every flavor to life.
• Bourbon (or Whiskey, Apple Juice, or Chicken Broth): Bourbon gives depth and warmth, but if you’d like an alcohol-free option, apple juice or chicken broth work beautifully too.
• Brown Sugar: The backbone of the glaze, brown sugar gives the dish its signature caramel sweetness and gorgeous color.
• Soy Sauce: This adds savory, umami richness and keeps the dish from being too sweet.
• Garlic (Minced): A couple of fresh cloves add aromatic punch and round out the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Paired with cold water, it creates a quick slurry that thickens the sauce to a silky finish.
• Cold Water: For mixing with cornstarch to make a lump-free thickener at the end.

Variations

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken welcomes a little fun in the kitchen! Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite flavors or adjust things for dietary preferences—this dish is forgiving and so adaptable.

• Make It Spicy: Stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a little heat—it brings the sweet and savory flavors to life!
• Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari soy sauce (make sure it’s certified gluten-free) to fit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Use Chicken Breasts: If that’s what you have, boneless/skinless chicken breasts work too—just be mindful they’re a bit leaner, so check for doneness earlier to avoid drying out.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Season and Arrange Chicken

Start by sprinkling your chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. You’ll want every piece seasoned, since this layer of flavor means tastier bites all the way through. Nestle the thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they’re arranged in a single, mostly even layer for even cooking.

Step 2: Make & Pour the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon (or whiskey, apple juice, or broth), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this glossy mixture right over your chicken so the flavors seep deliciously into every crevice as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 4 hours, or high for about 3 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling irresistible, and the chicken will be ultra-tender and infused with that sweet-savory magic.

Step 4: Thicken That Sauce

About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour this into the crockpot and gently stir to combine. The sauce will thicken wonderfully as it finishes cooking, clinging perfectly to every bite of chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon that luscious Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, then drizzle generously with sauce and sprinkle with fresh green onions. Dive in and savor!

How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions is the perfect finishing touch—offering bright freshness and a pop of color on top of that rich brown sauce. For extra flair, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a little chopped cilantro can make each plate feel special.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed white rice is a natural partner for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, sopping up every drop of that crave-worthy sauce. Jasmine or brown rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even buttery noodles are great options, and simple steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas round things out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the chicken into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld twist! You can also spoon it into rice bowls with colorful veggies, serve on slider buns for a party appetizer, or add to meal-prep containers for weeknight lunches you’ll genuinely look forward to eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Bourbon Chicken keeps beautifully! Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days—a perfect make-ahead solution for busy weeknights or easy lunches.

Freezing

This dish is very freezer-friendly. Simply portion out cooled chicken and sauce into zip-top freezer bags or containers, label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as needed for a super-quick dinner down the line.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers are just as delicious—maybe even better—the next day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken finds a cozy spot in your weeknight dinner rotation—it’s sweet, sticky, and oh-so-irresistible, even better when shared with the people you love. Give it a whirl, play around with the variations, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight favorite!

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