Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken dish garnished with green onions on a plate.

Why Make This Recipe

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It's perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the chicken cooks slowly. This recipe is easy enough for beginners to follow and will impress your family or friends. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great choice for meal prep!

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Making Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is straightforward, even if you are new to cooking. You will need a few ingredients, but they are easy to find in most grocery stores. Here's how you can make it.

Ingredients

3 lb 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
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Cooked rice for serving

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Ensure they are spread out evenly.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth.
Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken is well coated.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. The chicken will become tender and flavorful.
Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can chop or shred it based on your preference.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Final Touches: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice for a delicious meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is best served over a bed of warm cooked rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side for a complete meal. If you're hosting, consider serving it in a large bowl with an extra sprinkle of green onions on top for visual appeal.

How to Store Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy! Let the Chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or microwave.

Tips to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Use Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs work best because they stay juicy during cooking. However, you can also use chicken breasts, but they may dry out if overcooked.
Adjust the Spice: If you like a little heat, include the red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, simply leave them out.
Double the Sauce: If you enjoy extra sauce for your rice, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. Just adjust cooking times if needed.
Experiment: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.

Variation

You can easily make a pulled pork version of this recipe by substituting the chicken with pork shoulder. Just follow the same steps, and you'll have a delicious Bourbon Pork dish!

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes, if you don't have bourbon, you can try using whiskey or even a cooking wine. Just choose one that you enjoy as it will impact the flavor.

2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier, consider reducing the brown sugar or using a sugar substitute. You can also serve it with quinoa instead of rice for a different grain alternative.

3. Can I cook this dish overnight?
While it's not recommended to cook on low for more than 6 hours for chicken as it can dry out, if you need to cook overnight, use the lowest setting and monitor the time.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delectable dish that combines convenience with amazing flavors. The slow cooker does the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy your day. With easy-to-follow steps and a handful of ingredients, you'll have a delicious meal ready with little effort. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of Bourbon Chicken soon!