Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Serve it over rice for a comforting, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup bourbon (or whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well to mix.
3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
4. Step 4: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Step 6: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce, then cover and continue cooking.
7. Step 7: Serve the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth without altering the other ingredients.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but cook time may be shorter.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon standing; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.

Is the bourbon flavor strong in this recipe?

The bourbon adds a subtle depth without overpowering the dish. Using apple juice or chicken broth results in a milder taste.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 731 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful bourbon-infused sauce. Sweetened with brown sugar and balanced by soy sauce and garlic, it’s an easy slow cooker meal perfect for serving over rice and garnished with fresh green onions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 1/3 cup bourbon (or substitute whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Thickening Slurry

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with kosher salt and pepper on both sides, then place them evenly in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken thighs in the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cook: Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld.
5. Create Thickening Slurry: About 30 minutes before cooking completes, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot sauce, then cover and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve: Once cooked and sauce thickened, serve the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth.
• Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used as an alternative.
• Adjust the soy sauce quantity to reduce sodium if desired.
• The cornstarch slurry should be added toward the end to prevent over-thickening the sauce.
• Garnishing with green onions adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich sauce.
• Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Bourbon Chicken, Chicken Thighs Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Dinner Crockpot Recipe