Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: Tender, Flavorful Chicken with a Sweet Bourbon Sauce

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of bourbon whiskey with tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs. This easy recipe is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice. The sauce, made from bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of honey, is the highlight of the dish, giving the chicken a deep, caramelized flavor as it slowly cooks.

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The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep, the chicken cooks low and slow in the crock pot, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Serve it over rice, and you'll have a hearty, comforting meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.

The Secret to Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

What makes this dish so irresistible is the combination of flavors that develop as the chicken cooks. Bourbon whiskey gives the sauce a subtle, smoky flavor, while soy sauce adds umami richness. Brown sugar and honey bring sweetness to balance the savory elements, and red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender after slow cooking, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce for a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 440 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 1300mg

This dish is high in protein thanks to the chicken thighs and offers a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. While it’s on the richer side due to the sugar and bourbon, it’s a fantastic treat for a flavorful dinner.

Cooking Tips

To ensure the best flavor and texture, trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs before adding them to the crock pot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch at the end of cooking. The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly, so don’t worry if it seems too runny when you first add the cornstarch mixture. For a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a splash of hot sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The dish also freezes well—just place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the well-trimmed chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Add to Crock Pot: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, then return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes on HIGH until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve and Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve the chicken and sauce over rice.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory goodness. The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor, while the slow-cooked chicken thighs become incredibly tender. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.