Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

There’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of a delicious meal simmering in the crock pot. If you love takeout but want something homemade, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and has just the right amount of kick.

This dish is inspired by the classic bourbon chicken you might find at a mall food court or a favorite Asian-style restaurant. But instead of standing over the stove, the slow cooker does all the work for you! The chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up a rich sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something special for the weekend, this dish is a winner. It pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while it cooks!

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Why You’ll Love It

• Easy to Make – Just toss the ingredients into the crock pot, set it, and forget it!
• Incredibly Flavorful – The sauce is sweet, salty, and slightly smoky thanks to the bourbon.
• Great for Meal Prep – This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
• Family-Friendly – The flavors are balanced, so even picky eaters will love it!
• Customizable – You can make it spicier, swap out ingredients, or serve it however you like.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option)
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Thickening (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) – The star of the show! A 4 to 6-quart crock pot works best.
• Cutting Board & Knife – For prepping the chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To get the right balance of flavors in the sauce.
• Mixing Bowl (Optional) – If you prefer to mix the sauce separately before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Whisk or Spoon – For stirring the sauce ingredients together.
• Small Saucepan (Optional) – If you want to thicken the sauce at the end.

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
2. If you have time, sauté the chicken in a pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. This adds extra flavor, but it’s optional!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

3. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

4. Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour the sauce over the top.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

6. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water.
7. Remove the chicken and stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce.
8. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Meanwhile, shred the chicken with two forks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.
10. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

More Recipes >>>>>> Creamy Mushroom Risotto

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Tenderness – Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
• No Bourbon? No Problem! – Apple juice or chicken broth works as a great substitute.
• Want More Heat? – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
• Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This dish reheats well, so make extra for easy lunches!
• Don’t Skip the Thickening Step – If you love a rich, sticky sauce, the cornstarch mixture is a game-changer.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it based on what you have or your dietary needs!

• No Bourbon? – Apple juice, chicken broth, or even pineapple juice can replace bourbon for a non-alcoholic version.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts – Thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Soy Sauce Alternatives – Use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option.
• Brown Sugar Swap – Use maple syrup, coconut sugar, or extra honey for a refined sugar-free option.
• Want It Spicier? – Add more red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce.
• Extra Veggies? – Throw in bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with many sides! Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Pairing: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Try cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles.
• Noodles: Serve over lo mein, ramen, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad balance the flavors.
• Sandwich Style: Shred the chicken and serve it in a bun with coleslaw for a tasty bourbon chicken sandwich!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Slow Cooker: If reheating a large batch, set the crock pot to LOW for about an hour.

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FAQ

1. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook it in a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or bake it in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.

2. Does this actually taste like bourbon?
No, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a deep, rich flavor without any harsh taste.

3. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first for even cooking, but if you must use frozen, increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.

4. How can I make this healthier?
Use low-sodium soy sauce, swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, and serve it with cauliflower rice or veggies instead of white rice.

5. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A simple cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) works great, or you can reduce the sauce by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes.

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This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a game-changer—easy, delicious, and perfect for busy nights. Try it out and let me know how you like it!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!