Introduction

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the kind of dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich, savory bourbon sauce that’s just the right balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy. As the chicken simmers, it absorbs all those delicious flavors, resulting in a sticky, glossy glaze that coats every piece of chicken perfectly. This dish is ideal for serving over a bed of rice, where the sauce can soak in and elevate every bite. It also makes for an irresistible appetizer, perfect for any gathering.

The first time I made Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, I was amazed at how easy it was to prepare. With just a few ingredients, I tossed everything into the Crock Pot and let it do the work. As it cooked, the scent of bourbon and spices filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, the chicken was tender and full of flavor, and the sauce had thickened into a rich glaze that was absolutely irresistible.

What I love most about this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is how effortless it is. It’s a one-pot meal that lets the slow-cooking process work its magic, freeing up your time while you wait for the flavors to develop. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a party, this dish is sure to be a hit and will quickly become a go-to comfort food. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, and you can adjust the sweetness or heat level to suit your preferences.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Weeknight meals
Potlucks
Game day
Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken will become your go-to dinner:

Rich Bourbon Flavor: The addition of bourbon creates a deep, smoky flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sauce. It adds a complexity that makes the dish stand out.
Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking the chicken ensures it stays incredibly moist and tender, absorbing all the flavors from the sauce.
Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time and the Crock Pot doing most of the work, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious.
Versatile Dish: Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as an appetizer with toothpicks. This dish adapts to whatever meal you’re planning.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers, as the flavors intensify even more after a day or two in the fridge.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 6-8 hours (depending on cooking time)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 26g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For a delicious batch of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
½ cup bourbon (use a mild bourbon for best flavor)
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for mixing with cornstarch)
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Steamed rice (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

Bourbon: The star ingredient! It adds a distinct smoky, caramel-like flavor to the sauce, infusing the chicken with a rich taste.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory components of the dish, helping to create the deliciously sticky sauce.
Soy Sauce: Brings in umami and depth, complementing the bourbon and sugar while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Chicken Thighs: These are ideal for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy throughout the slow cooking process, absorbing the sauce’s flavors perfectly.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. You can trim excess fat if desired.
Place in the Crock Pot: Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the Crock Pot, making sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.

Prepare the Sauce:

Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the Crock Pot, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

Cook on Low or High: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable when done.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, or leave it whole for a more rustic look.

Thicken the Sauce:

Create a Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir the slurry into the sauce in the Crock Pot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t clump.

Serve:

Serve the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or your choice of side. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a burst of freshness.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is versatile and can be served in many ways:

With Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the savory bourbon sauce.
As an Appetizer: Serve the shredded bourbon chicken with toothpicks for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party.
With Noodles: Pair the chicken with cooked noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
With Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, on the side to balance the richness of the chicken.
As a Wrap: Wrap the bourbon chicken in soft tortillas with some lettuce and rice for a tasty wrap option.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is perfect every time:

Use Chicken Thighs for Best Flavor: Chicken thighs remain more tender and juicy than breasts during slow cooking, making them ideal for this dish.
Customize the Spice: Adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you prefer a mild dish, skip it altogether.
Add Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, add some sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots into the Crock Pot with the chicken to create a more hearty dish.
Check the Chicken Early: Crock Pots vary in cooking time. Check the chicken after 3 hours if cooking on high to ensure it’s not overcooked.
Double the Sauce: If you like a lot of sauce, consider doubling the sauce ingredients for more to pour over rice or noodles.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to make the dish spicy.
Citrus Bourbon Chicken: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a fresh citrus twist.
Honey Bourbon Chicken: Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness and depth.
Ginger Bourbon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for a more intense, spicy note.
Bourbon Chicken with Pineapple: Add canned pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory sauce.
Maple Bourbon Chicken: Swap the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more autumnal flavor profile.
Garlic Bourbon Chicken: Increase the amount of garlic for an extra savory depth in the sauce.
Bourbon Chicken with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the Crock Pot for added flavor and texture.
Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry: Once the chicken is cooked, stir-fry it with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas for a crunchy variation.
Bourbon Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Mix bourbon with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet variation.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat by simmering on the stove or in the Crock Pot.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken easier:

Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): The essential piece of equipment for this recipe, allowing you to slow cook the chicken and develop rich flavors.
Whisk: A simple whisk is useful for mixing the sauce ingredients and ensuring everything is smooth.
Small Bowl: For making the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken thighs and shredding the meat once cooked.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise measurements for the sauce ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker.
What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice, chicken broth, or a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives the best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions can enhance the flavor and make it a one-pot meal.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal. With its rich bourbon sauce, tender chicken, and effortless slow-cooked preparation, this dish is sure to impress at any table. Whether served over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.

The slow-cooking method allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors of the bourbon sauce, making it incredibly tender and full of rich, savory goodness. The perfect balance of sweetness and a slight hint of smokiness from the bourbon creates a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

I can’t wait to see your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this delicious dish to life! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking!