Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

If you’ve ever had dinner at a casual American restaurant you know how bourbon chicken stands out with its rich sauce and tender bites and this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken takes that familiar idea and turns it into an easy slow cooked meal that fits busy schedules and relaxed dinners while keeping everything simple and reliable.

In this article I am sharing my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe that cooks low and slow so the chicken absorbs the sauce fully and turns juicy and pull apart tender and it works equally well for weeknight meals family gatherings or meal prep without adding extra steps or stress.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can always make substitutions if you prefer.

• Chicken thighs: They stay juicy during long cooking and shred easily once tender.
• Soy sauce: Forms the salty savory base of the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the saltiness.
• Bourbon: Gives depth and classic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic: Brings sharp savory notes to the sauce.
• Ground ginger: Adds warmth and mild spice.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce and balances sweetness.
• Water: Helps thin the sauce so it cooks evenly.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce at the end.
• Green onions: Used as garnish for freshness and color.
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker: Cooks the chicken gently until tender and flavorful.
• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk the sauce smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps dissolve sugar and cornstarch evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Keeps flavors balanced.
• Tongs or fork: Makes shredding and serving easier.
• Small saucepan: Optional for thickening the sauce quickly at the end.

Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the chicken

I start by placing the chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker making sure they are not stacked too tightly so the sauce can circulate while cooking.

Step 2 Mix the sauce

In a mixing bowl I whisk together soy sauce brown sugar bourbon garlic ginger apple cider vinegar water and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 3 Combine in the slow cooker

I pour the sauce evenly over the chicken making sure each piece is coated then I gently move the chicken so the sauce settles underneath as well.

Step 4 Slow cook

I cover the slow cooker and cook on low until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred and I avoid lifting the lid too often so the heat stays consistent.

Step 5 Thicken the sauce

Once the chicken is cooked I remove it briefly and whisk cornstarch into the remaining liquid then I return everything to the slow cooker or simmer the sauce separately until it thickens to a glossy consistency.

Step 6 Finish and shred

I shred the chicken directly in the sauce then let it sit for a few minutes so the meat absorbs the thickened glaze before serving.

Tips

I like using chicken thighs instead of breasts because they stay moist even after hours of cooking and if you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor you can add a small splash at the end and let it simmer briefly and for a slightly spicy version I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes which pairs well with the sweet sauce without overpowering it.

Ways to Serve

I usually serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over steamed white rice so the sauce soaks in fully and for a lighter option I pair it with cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables and it also works well tucked into lettuce cups or served with roasted broccoli for a balanced plate that still feels comforting.

Storage Instructions

After cooling completely I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for several days and when reheating I use a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and for longer storage I freeze portions in freezer safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken without alcohol?

Yes you can replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar sweet savory result.

How long does Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken take to cook?

It typically cooks for several hours on low until the chicken is very tender.

Can I use chicken breasts for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?

Yes but I recommend checking earlier since breasts cook faster and can dry out.

Is Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken good for meal prep?

Yes it reheats well and keeps its flavor making it great for planned meals.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken a try because it is one of those dependable slow cooker meals that fits so many occasions and I would love to hear how you serve it or customize it so feel free to save it and share your results with me.

Happy Cooking!

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