Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers a wonderfully tender and flavorful experience, making it a go-to for busy evenings. The rich, savory-sweet glaze coats the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with a delicious aroma and brings everyone to the table with a smile.

I find myself turning to this slow cooker chicken recipe again and again, especially when I need a reliable meal that requires minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for those days when you have a lot on your plate, allowing the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. Plus, the leftovers are just as delightful, making it a smart choice for lunches or another quick dinner.

Here’s why this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken quickly became a staple in my kitchen:

• It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
• Preparation is incredibly easy, with minimal fuss.
• The flavor is a perfect sweet and savory balance.
• It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, always getting rave reviews.
• I love that the slow cooker does all the work for me.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Ingredients

The magic of this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken truly comes alive with its straightforward yet incredibly flavorful ingredient lineup. Together, these items craft that irresistible sweet and savory glaze that makes this dish a winner every time. You’ll adore how easily these simple elements transform into something so special.

Core Ingredients:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are the heart of our dish. They cook up incredibly tender and juicy, soaking up the delicious sauce wonderfully.
• Bourbon: This is what gives our chicken its signature flavor. It adds a unique depth and a gentle warmth to the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: It brings the perfect amount of sweetness. This is key to balancing the savory notes in the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: This provides a rich, salty, umami backbone to our glaze. It’s essential for that deep flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire sauce with its wonderful aroma and taste.
• Cornstarch and Cold Water: These two create a simple slurry. It’s what thickens our sauce into that perfect, glossy consistency.

Substitutions and Tips:

• Bourbon Alternative: No bourbon? No worries! Whiskey works beautifully. Apple juice adds a nice sweetness, or chicken broth offers a savory alternative. Any of these will make a tasty Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.
• Flavor Boost: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost that savory umami flavor.
• Thicker Sauce: If you love a really thick sauce, it’s easy to achieve. Just mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Let’s get this delicious slow cooker chicken started! It truly is a simple process. You’ll love how easy it is to create this flavorful dish.

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

First, season your chicken thighs. Use kosher salt and pepper. Sprinkle them generously on both sides. Now, place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker. Grab a medium bowl. Add the bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Don’t forget the garlic. Whisk it all until it’s nicely blended. Pour this tasty mixture over the chicken.

Slow Cooker Time

Put the lid securely on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on LOW for about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on HIGH for around 3 hours. Your chicken will become wonderfully tender.

Thicken the Sauce

This next step makes the sauce perfect. About 30 minutes before it’s done, make a slurry. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water. Whisk them until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the sauce in the crockpot. It will thicken beautifully. This creates that amazing glaze for your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.

Serve and Garnish

Your slow cooker chicken is ready! The sauce is thick and glossy now. Serve the Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over fluffy rice. Noodles work great too. For a pop of color and fresh taste, add some sliced green onions on top. Enjoy this delightful meal!

Print

How to Store Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Once your delicious Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is cooked, letting it cool is important. This prevents excess condensation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Need to save it for longer? Freeze the cooled chicken and sauce. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep it good for up to 2 to 3 months.

Tips for Success

• Chicken thighs yield the most tender results. Chicken breast works, but may dry out.
• The cornstarch slurry is crucial. It creates that signature thick, glossy sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. Do this before thickening the sauce.
• Don’t overfill your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking for your dish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering a few key items makes cooking this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken a breeze. Having the right tools on hand helps everything go smoothly. You likely have most of these already!

• Slow Cooker (A 6-quart size is ideal for this recipe.)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons (For accurate ingredient amounts.)
• Medium Mixing Bowl (To combine the sauce ingredients.)
• Whisk (Perfect for making the sauce and slurry.)
• Airtight Containers (Great for storing any delicious leftovers.)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over fluffy steamed white or brown rice.
• It pairs wonderfully with bright steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad.
• Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• A side of warm garlic bread makes the meal complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it’s important to adjust the cooking time. Chicken breast cooks faster and can become dry if overcooked. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high, and check for doneness to ensure it remains tender.

How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s still too thin?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after adding the initial cornstarch slurry, you can create another small slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this into the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is it possible to make this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and place the chicken in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerating the entire unit. In the morning, just turn it on to cook. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken entirely, let it cool, and then refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

What if I don’t have bourbon? What are good substitutes for this slow cooker chicken recipe?

If bourbon isn’t available or preferred, you have several excellent alternatives. Whiskey offers a similar flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic option, apple juice provides a pleasant sweetness, or chicken broth can be used for a more savory base. All these substitutes will still result in a delicious Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.