Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is an effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, sweet-salty sauce. Perfect for busy days, it simmers all day to develop deep flavors that pair wonderfully with rice.
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 and add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with the sauce over rice and garnish with green onions.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the bourbon mixture for an hour before cooking.
- Use skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option or chicken breasts if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a low-carb 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 over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes, whiskey or even a combination of apple cider and a splash of vanilla extract can work as alternatives, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Is it safe to cook alcohol in a slow cooker?
Yes, the alcohol cooks off during the long cooking process, leaving behind the rich flavor without the alcoholic content.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful meal made effortlessly in a slow cooker. The chicken is slowly cooked in a savory bourbon sauce infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a rich and slightly sweet glaze perfect for serving 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 Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, place the chicken thighs, then add bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Stir gently to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce ingredients.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken thighs are tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir carefully to combine. This will thicken the cooking sauce into a glossy glaze.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and thoroughly coat the chicken.
- Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed rice, and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic rather than dried or powdered.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce fat content if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to complement the rich sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Dinner, Crock Pot Recipe, Comfort Food
