Crockpot Bourbon Chicken – If you’re craving something deliciously sweet, tangy, and just a bit boozy, this recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a Game Changer
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a perfect blend of Southern and Asian-inspired flavors, often served in food courts but made even better at home. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken pieces cooked slowly in a sauce that’s rich with bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and aromatics. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also a set-it-and-forget-it meal that simplifies dinner prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients that make this recipe a hit:
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in or boneless skinless chicken thighs work best for juicy results. You can use chicken breasts, but they may come out a bit less tender.
- Bourbon: The star ingredient! Use a bourbon that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor plays a big role in the dish. Don’t worry; the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, smoky essence.
- Soy Sauce: For a salty, umami kick. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the savory and brings a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for a depth of flavor, but powdered can work in a pinch.
- Ketchup: Adds tang and rounds out the flavors.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but perfect for a bit of heat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For an extra punch of flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before adding it to the crockpot.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: For a more complex flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before placing it in the crockpot. This caramelizes the sugars and gives a beautiful golden crust.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute with honey for a different kind of sweetness.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli an hour before the cooking time ends for a complete meal.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Honey Bourbon Chicken: Replace half of the brown sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Double up on the red pepper flakes or add some sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add a can of pineapple chunks (with juice) to give a tropical flair.
- Bourbon BBQ Chicken: Mix in your favorite BBQ sauce with the bourbon sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Over Rice: Jasmine, white, or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- With Noodles: Serve over lo mein or egg noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
- On a Bun: Shred the chicken and pile it onto slider buns for a crowd-pleasing sandwich.
- With Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad work perfectly to balance the rich flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken without alcohol?Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the bourbon, you can replace it with apple juice or chicken broth. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
2. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?Cornstarch slurry is the easiest method. Simply whisk equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce. Arrowroot powder works as a gluten-free alternative.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will add extra liquid to the sauce. To maintain the correct flavor balance, reduce the liquid ingredients slightly.
4. Is this dish spicy?No, the recipe as written is mild. You can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken - If you're craving something deliciously sweet, tangy, and just a bit boozy, this recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Green Onions: ¼ cup sliced (or more, if you love that fresh pop!)
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons for thickening
For the Sauce:
- Fresh Ginger: ½ teaspoon, grated for that aromatic zing
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness
- Ketchup: ¼ cup, adding tang and depth
- Apple Juice: ⅓ cup, a splash of fruitiness
- Honey: 1 ½ tablespoons, natural sweetness
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon, for a subtle heat
- Water: ¼ cup, to balance flavors
- Bourbon: ¼ cup, the smoky star ingredient
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 3 tablespoons, to cut through the sweetness
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup, for that umami boost
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prep the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. This sauce is about to make magic happen in your slow cooker!
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Cover and set on low for 6-7 hours (or if you’re in a hurry, high for 3 hours).
- Chop & Keep Warm: Once cooked, remove the chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces, and cover to keep warm while we thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix 3 tablespoons of water with the cornstarch to create a slurry. Turn your slow cooker up to high, whisk in the slurry, and let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes).
- Combine & Serve: Stir the chicken back into the luscious sauce and sprinkle with fresh green onions. Serve over fluffy rice and let the flavors wow you!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 435Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 278mgSodium 532mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 57g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate blend of ease and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Make it your own by experimenting with different variations, and don’t forget to savor every bite of this sweet, savory masterpiece!
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