This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and sticky bourbon sauce. It’s super easy to make—just toss it all in your slow cooker!
If I could, I’d have this every day! The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, and the sauce is perfect over rice. Just be ready for the delicious smell wafting through your house! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. Breasts are leaner but might dry out more. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast is a good alternative!
Bourbon: While bourbon adds unique flavor, you can substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth if you’d prefer to avoid alcohol. Just keep in mind that it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tbsp of molasses per cup of sugar) to get a similar taste. Coconut sugar is also a great substitute!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to for this recipe; it balances saltiness and allows more flexibility. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos instead!
How Do I Get the Sauce to Thicken Just Right?
Thickening your sauce is a crucial step to achieve that perfect glaze. It’s simple with cornstarch. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix cornstarch with water until smooth to form a slurry.
- Add it to the crock pot 30 minutes before serving—this allows time for it to cook into the sauce.
- After stirring it in, cover the pot and cook on high for about 20–30 minutes to thicken. Keep an eye on it; you want a nice, rich sauce!
If you love a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch. Just remember to mix it well to avoid clumps!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
For Thickening and Serving:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 4 to 6 hours of cooking time on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high). Perfect for a busy day, just set it and forget it until dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces into your slow cooker. No need to season it—these flavors will build up in the sauce!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, chopped onion (if using), ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce will bring out wonderful flavors in the chicken.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Use a spoon to stir gently, making sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated with the sauce.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, take a small bowl and mix the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. This will help thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency.
6. Stir in Thickeners:
Add the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot and stir. Replace the lid and let it cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened up nicely.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once the sauce is thickened, it’s time to serve! Spoon the bourbon chicken over a bed of warm cooked white rice. For a pop of color and flavor, top it off with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken smothered in a delightful sweet and savory bourbon sauce—perfect over rice. Enjoy cooking and feast on this comforting dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. If cooking on low, it may take 6 to 8 hours, and for high, about 4 to 5 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. When ready, just add them to the crock pot and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Serve with Bourbon Chicken?
The bourbon chicken pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice, but you can also serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or alongside steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top just before serving!
