Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that blends tender chicken with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. It’s easy to make, just set it and forget it!
This dish always brings a smile! I serve it over rice, and let’s be honest, the leftovers taste even better the next day. Who doesn’t love a good home-cooked meal? 🍛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they’re juicy and stay tender during cooking. If you’re after a lighter option, you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you’re avoiding alcohol, chicken broth works well for a non-alcoholic version. You can also use apple cider or even a splash of apple juice for a hint of sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is key for that umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another great substitute if you want a healthier alternative.
Brown Sugar: I recommend packed brown sugar for its deep flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or honey can be used, but you may need to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced garlic and ginger create the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use powdered versions (about 1/4 teaspoon of each), although fresh is always my preference for taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken Shredded Just Right?
Shredding chicken after cooking is important for the right texture in your dish. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crock pot and let it cool slightly.
- Use two forks and pull apart the chicken into shreds. It should come apart easily if cooked properly.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the sauce in the crock pot and stir to coat well.
Don’t rush this step; the shredded chicken absorbs more of the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful!
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Without Clumping?
If you’d like a thicker sauce for your bourbon chicken, here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until it’s smooth—that’s your slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sauce in the crock pot and stir well.
- Cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken, but keep stirring occasionally.
This method helps avoid clumping and gives you a nice, smooth sauce!
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup bourbon (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (around 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Just let the crock pot do the work while you go about your day, and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of your crock pot. This will be the base of your dish, so spread them out evenly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon (or chicken broth), soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well blended to create a tasty sauce.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix it with the remaining sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot. Turn the heat to high and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bourbon chicken over warm cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful and tender Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but keep in mind that they may dry out if cooked too long. If you opt for breasts, I recommend checking their doneness around the 3-hour mark on high or 5 hours on low.
What If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
No worries! You can substitute bourbon with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. You may want to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra brown sugar to add some depth to the flavor profile that bourbon would typically provide.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in the crock pot ahead of time! Simply follow the instructions and once the chicken is cooked, let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed to prevent drying out.
