Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

This crock pot bourbon chicken is a simple and comforting dish that lets the slow cooker do all the work. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without standing over the stove. The tender chicken soaks up a sweet and tangy sauce with a bit of warmth from the bourbon and red pepper flakes.

I remember making this after a hectic day and loving how it filled the house with a cozy aroma. It quickly became a family favorite for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: trimmed of excess fat provide rich flavor and stay moist during cooking
• Light brown sugar: adds sweetness and a caramel-like depth better than white sugar
• Soy sauce: delivers a salty umami punch so use a good quality naturally brewed one if possible
• Bourbon whiskey: gives the sauce warmth and complexity choose a mid-priced bottle you enjoy drinking
• Apple cider vinegar: adds a nice tang that brightens the sauce without overpowering
• Ground ginger: lends a gentle spicy note go for fresh ground for more aroma
• Honey: smooths out the flavors with natural sweetness
• Red pepper flakes: bring a subtle heat adjust to taste
• Garlic: freshly minced for the best pungency and flavor
• Cornstarch: with water creates a slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly
• Chopped green onions: add a fresh, crisp finish at the end

Instructions

Build The Base:

Add the trimmed chicken thighs to the slow cooker. This forms the meaty foundation.

Mix The Sauce:

In a bowl whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes and minced garlic until smooth.

Combine Chicken And Sauce:

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken ensuring every piece is coated which will help infuse flavor during cooking.

Cook Low And Slow:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when ready.

Prepare The Chicken:

Carefully remove the chicken pieces. Chop or shred the meat depending on your texture preference for best bite.

Thicken The Sauce:

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker sauce to thicken it into a glossy rich glaze.

Finish And Garnish:

Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat. Let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes until sauce thickens fully. Turn off heat and sprinkle with green onions for freshness.

Serve Over Rice:

Spoon the bourbon chicken over white, brown or cauliflower rice for a comforting meal with a slight extra veggie boost if desired.

My favorite part is the bourbon because it creates a subtle smoky warmth that lifts all the flavors. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when my parents first introduced me to slow cooker recipes that filled the whole home with delicious smells and warmth.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce thickens after chilling so add a splash of water or broth while reheating if needed.

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken breasts can be used but tend to dry out keep an eye on cooking time to retain juiciness. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different kind of sweetness and extra depth. Try rice vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar for a milder tang if preferred.

Serving Ideas

Serve with steamed green veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a fresh contrast. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for crunch and texture. A side of roasted sweet potatoes balances the dish’s sweetness with earthiness.

This dish brings warmth and comfort to the table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights where flavor and ease go hand in hand.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used, but they will slightly change the sauce’s flavor profile.

→ How do I thicken the sauce after cooking?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the hot sauce, cooking a few minutes until thickened.

→ Is it possible to make this spicy or mild?

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level, from mild to moderately spicy.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, white or brown rice, and cauliflower rice complement the dish nicely for a complete meal.

→ Can this dish be prepared without a slow cooker?

Though slow cooking enhances the flavor and tenderness, you can simmer the chicken gently on the stove, adjusting cooking time accordingly.