Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s great for busy days and pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
- Step 2: Stir well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 4: About 30 minutes before cooking ends, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with the thickened sauce over rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
- Skin-on chicken thighs add more flavor, but you can use skinless for a lighter dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry.
Storage
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness early.
Is the alcohol from the bourbon fully cooked off?
Since the dish cooks for several hours in the slow cooker, most of the alcohol from the bourbon will cook off, leaving behind its rich flavor without the alcoholic content.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich bourbon and soy sauce glaze. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic ginger and garlic, it’s an effortless meal that’s perfect for busy days. Serve it over rice and garnish with fresh green onions for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Thickening Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Mix together until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Thicken Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, enhancing its texture and coating the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Once thickened, serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon to your preference, but avoid cooking with too much as the alcohol flavor could become overpowering.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can double the cornstarch slurry.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bourbon chicken, slow cooker chicken, crock pot chicken, easy chicken dinner, bourbon sauce, slow cooked chicken thighs
