Introduction

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that delivers tender, flavorful chicken infused with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. Perfect for busy days, it lets your slow cooker do the work while you relax. Serve it over rice for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with a rich, dark red stew. On top, there are shredded pieces of light brown chicken, mixed with small chunks of reddish-brown beans and bright red bell peppers. Tiny green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh touch. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby and some wooden utensils in the background. The textures are moist and tender, with a shiny, thick broth surrounding the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup soy sauce

⅓ cup bourbon whiskey

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon honey

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Add the trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it to your preferred texture; then set aside.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it.

Step 6: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix well with the thickened sauce, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the sauce further.

Step 7: Turn off the slow cooker heat and garnish the bourbon chicken with chopped green onions before serving.

Step 8: Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay more tender in slow cooking.

Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer on low with the cornstarch slurry longer before adding the chicken back in.

FAQs

Can I use a different alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with whiskey or even a splash of rum for a different but still delicious flavor. For an alcohol-free option, use extra apple cider vinegar and a splash of water.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the slow cooker?

Using boneless skinless chicken thighs helps keep the meat moist and tender. Also, avoid overcooking by following the recommended slow cooker times, and always keep the lid on during cooking to retain moisture.