Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. The rich bourbon sauce combined with ginger and garlic creates a sweet and savory meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
- Step 2: Stir until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 4: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with the sauce over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips & Variations
- For a less intense bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon to 1/4 cup and add more soy sauce or a splash of chicken broth.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier serving.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish does not freeze well due to the sauce texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time and consider shortening it slightly if using breasts.
Is the alcohol in bourbon cooked off?
Yes, when cooked slowly over several hours, most of the alcohol in bourbon evaporates, leaving behind the rich flavor without the strong alcohol content.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs simmered in a rich bourbon and soy sauce mixture with a hint of garlic and ginger. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, this slow cooker dish results in a deliciously sticky and savory sauce, ideal served over rice and garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Thickening Mixture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then add this mixture to the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute and let it cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve and garnish: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, serve the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a less strong bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon to 1/4 cup and replace the rest with chicken broth.
- Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce fat or substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs remain more tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an additional cornstarch slurry in the last 10 minutes.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the slow cooker lid remains on during cooking to maintain moisture and heat levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bourbon chicken, crock pot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, bourbon sauce chicken

