Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken absorbs a sweet and savory bourbon-inspired sauce. Serve it over rice for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. In a larger bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, cornstarch slurry, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the bourbon sauce to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Serve the bourbon chicken garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy results; breasts work well but may be leaner.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit if you prefer no spice.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the sauce before cooking (optional and for adults only).
- Include vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli in the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and affect texture.
Is this recipe actually made with bourbon?
This recipe uses a bourbon-inspired flavor with soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar but does not include actual bourbon. You can add a splash of bourbon for authentic flavor if desired.
PrintCrockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a sweet and savory bourbon-inspired sauce. The homemade sauce blends soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, resulting in a perfectly balanced and delicious meal. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the slurry and sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. In a larger bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch slurry until fully incorporated.
- Arrange chicken in slow cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker, forming a single layer.
- Add sauce mixture: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated and submerged in the sauce as much as possible.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
- Shred and combine: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it evenly with the bourbon sauce.
- Serve with garnish: Spoon the bourbon chicken onto plates or bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will yield a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook on high for the longer end of the time range or add a little more cornstarch slurry near the end and stir until thickened.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to absorb the delicious bourbon sauce.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Bourbon chicken, slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken, easy dinner recipe, sweet and savory chicken, bourbon sauce, chicken thighs, chicken breasts
