why make this recipe
Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot is a delicious and easy dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. Cooking in a slow cooker makes it perfect for busy days, as you can prepare everything in the morning and come home to a warm meal. This recipe is great for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners and packed with flavor that everyone will love.
how to make Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 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 chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Add the chicken thighs to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it to your preferred texture.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Let cook for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
how to serve Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken is best served over rice. You can choose white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adding a side of steamed vegetables can make the meal even more satisfying. Don’t forget to top each serving with fresh green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
how to store Bourbon Chicken
To store Bourbon Chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly until it’s hot all the way through.
tips to make Bourbon Chicken
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Feel free to adjust the level of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- You can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Serve with a splash of sesame oil for added richness.
variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a Bourbon Chicken and Vegetable dish by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the slow cooker. These veggies will cook nicely with the chicken and sauce, adding color and nutrition to the meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they might be drier compared to thighs.
2. Is the bourbon necessary for the recipe?
While bourbon adds a unique flavor, you can replace it with apple juice or omit it altogether if you prefer.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make Bourbon Chicken a day ahead. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving.
Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and easy Bourbon Chicken recipe cooked in a slow cooker, combining sweet and savory flavors perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 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 chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken thighs to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 240 minutes or low for 360 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it to your preferred texture.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Let cook for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American