Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that’s simply irresistible. The ease of making it in a crockpot means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results with family and friends. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions when you want something that impresses without complicated prep.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken stands out for its mouthwatering flavor and tender texture. The bourbon creates a deep richness that balances the sweetness of brown sugar and ketchup, while the garlic and spices add a warm, aromatic touch. It’s an effortless way to prepare a dish that feels indulgent but is achievable by anyone, even if you’re a busy parent or a novice cook. The use of a crockpot guarantees that the flavors meld beautifully as the chicken cooks slowly, delivering a dish that’s certain to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a crockpot, combine the chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything evenly, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated with the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Cooking
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken will be ready when it’s fully cooked and tender, easily shredding apart with a fork.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it up, giving it that perfect consistency to coat each bite of chicken.
Step 4: Finishing
Just before serving, give the dish a quick stir to evenly distribute the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up all that wonderful sauce. For a healthier option, serve it over a bed of sautéed vegetables or alongside a fresh green salad. It also makes fantastic leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!
How to Store Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. It’s also freezer-friendly; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, but feel free to experiment with other cuts if you prefer.
- For a touch of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- If you want to reduce the alcoholic content, you can simmer the bourbon separately on the stove for about 5 minutes before adding it to the crockpot.
- Consider serving this dish the next day; the flavors often deepen and improve after a night in the fridge.
Delicious Variations
- Sweet and Sour: Add diced pineapple to the crockpot for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Honey Bourbon Chicken: Drizzle in honey along with the bourbon for extra sweetness and spice.
- Teriyaki Twist: Substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add broccoli for a vibrant veggie option.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts will work, but the dish may turn out a bit drier. Thighs tend to hold more moisture and are more forgiving in a slow cooker. -
Can I omit the bourbon?
While bourbon adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with apple cider or omit it entirely for a delicious non-alcoholic version. -
How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
You can thicken the sauce by simmering it on the stove until it reduces naturally or using arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative. -
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can prepare this dish in a slow-cooker-friendly oven-safe pot, cooking it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for a similar effect. -
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, it should also shred easily with a fork.
Conclusion
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is your go-to recipe for a tasty, hassle-free meal that the whole family will love. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion. So, fire up that crockpot and enjoy a comforting meal that’s bound to impress. Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken with a tangy, slightly sweet bourbon sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a crockpot, combine the chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything evenly.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 360-480 minutes (6-8 hours) or on high for 180-240 minutes (3-4 hours).
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken.
- Just before serving, stir the dish to distribute the sauce and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Pairs well with steamed rice or mashed potatoes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
