If you are searching for a truly mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal that feels special but requires minimal effort, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce—all slowly simmered to perfection. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and a luscious texture that melts in your mouth, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role. From the tender chicken thighs to the aromatic garlic and the sweet-savory sauce, every ingredient contributes perfectly to the dish’s rich flavor, beautiful texture, and inviting color.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/3 cup bourbon: Adds a warm, subtle smoky sweetness that’s the heart of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Gives the dish a caramel-like sweetness that balances the soy sauce.
- 3/4 cup soy sauce: Brings the salty, umami depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds fragrant aromatic notes that brighten the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons corn starch: Used to thicken the sauce into a glossy, luscious coating.
- 4 tablespoons water: Combined with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch to season the chicken and enhance taste without overpowering.
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by removing your chicken thighs from the package and giving them a gentle pat dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on both sides of each thigh for an extra burst of flavor. Place the seasoned thighs neatly in a single layer at the bottom of your crock pot. Doing this keeps each piece evenly cooked and ensures maximum sauce absorption.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar mostly dissolves into the liquid, creating a smooth, irresistible sauce. Then pour this mixture over your chicken thighs, letting all that richness soak in right before cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your crock pot and set the heat to low. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately four hours or until it becomes fork tender. This slow cooking ensures the chicken is juicy and the flavors develop deeply, letting the bourbon and soy sauce create that signature sweet and savory balance we all love.
Step 4: Remove Chicken to Plate
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, carefully transfer the thighs to a separate plate. This step prepares the crock pot for thickening the luscious sauce without overcooking the chicken itself.
Step 5: Boil the Sauce
Pour the remaining juices and sauce from the crock pot into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Bringing the sauce to a boil helps start the thickening process and intensifies the flavors, giving you that glossy finish you want for your dish.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the boiling sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the sauce to reduce a bit more, developing an even richer texture and taste.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the tender chicken back into the crock pot with the thickened sauce. Give the chicken a gentle shred into large chunks so each bite is coated with that irresistible bourbon glaze. Let everything meld together for a few minutes on low heat for maximum flavor love.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is now ready to shine. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favorite sides. Each forkful is a sweet, savory delight that makes coming home worth it.
How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions over the top adds a fresh, bright freshness and a beautiful splash of color that invites you in. For a little crunch and extra flavor, you could also add toasted sesame seeds if you like an Asian-inspired touch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and make every bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs incredibly well with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delightful sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or green beans add a crisp contrast. If you want to go heartier, creamy mashed potatoes also make an excellent bed for the rich bourbon chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving this dish family-style in a beautiful casserole or slow cooker right at the table, inviting everyone to help themselves. For a fun twist, use the chicken as a filling for soft tacos topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. You could even spoon the chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy, colorful meal packed with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce thickens and the flavors deepen over time, so leftovers can be just as wonderful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together so the flavors stay locked in. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for a quick and tasty meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to keep the chicken tender and evenly coated.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You absolutely can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily, so you might want to check sooner for doneness or add a bit more sauce to keep it moist.
Is it necessary to use bourbon in this recipe?
Bourbon really is the star ingredient that gives this dish its unique flavor. However, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice or a mixture of water and a splash of vanilla extract for some sweetness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold everything comfortably and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely without being gluey. It will thicken as it cools, so aim for a glossy, slightly thick consistency on the stovetop before combining with the chicken.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe?
Classic steamed white rice is always a winner, but you can also try garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor contrasts.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is one of those rare gems that feels like a special treat but comes together with incredible ease. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs infused with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, the chicken is cooked low and slow for four hours in a flavorful blend of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then thickened into a luscious sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over rice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Thickening Mixture
- 3 Tablespoons corn starch
- 4 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Remove chicken thighs from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the thighs. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and place it on a separate plate.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the cooking juices from the crock pot into a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the corn starch and water until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the boiling sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, then reduce heat to a simmer and let it reduce further to a thick consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the crock pot and pour the thickened sauce over it. Slightly shred the chicken into large chunks using forks or tongs.
- Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over rice, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful in slow cooking.
- Adjust the bourbon amount based on your preference; use a good-quality bourbon for best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry well before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice for a satisfying meal.
