Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that combines sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements. The chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich bourbon sauce, creating a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meal. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work, making it the perfect dinner for busy nights or when you want a comforting, gourmet-inspired meal.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
5. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, serve the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high) or 7-8 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (if using high setting)

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to ramp up the heat in the sauce.
• Chicken Breast Option: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, though the chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after long slow cooking.
• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you’d rather not use bourbon, substitute with apple cider or a mix of apple juice and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
   Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more than thighs during slow cooking. Consider adding some extra sauce or checking the chicken a little earlier to ensure it’s cooked just right.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble everything in the crockpot and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking. Alternatively, you can prepare it and store leftovers for future meals.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   To increase the spice level, add more red pepper flakes, or toss in a sliced jalapeño or a bit of hot sauce.
4. What kind of rice is best for serving with this dish?
   This dish pairs well with white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
5. Can I freeze this recipe?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked bourbon chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the crockpot or on the stove.
6. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
   If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Simply mix with water and add to the sauce toward the end of cooking.
7. Can I add other flavors to the sauce?
   Yes, feel free to experiment by adding a splash of orange juice, a little honey for extra sweetness, or soy sauce alternatives like coconut aminos for a different twist.
8. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
   If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute with another whiskey or even use non-alcoholic options like apple cider or a mix of apple juice and vanilla extract.
9. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork. If you’re using chicken breasts, check to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.
10. Can I cook this on high for less time?
    Yes, cooking on high for 3-4 hours will work if you’re short on time, but the chicken will be more tender when cooked on low for 7-8 hours.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy bourbon sauce, this recipe is perfect for serving over rice for a comforting dinner. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, while the simple ingredients create a dish that feels gourmet without much effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this bourbon chicken is sure to satisfy.

Print