If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that hits every note of sweet, savory, and utterly comforting, the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! This soul-warming chicken boasts tender bites bathed in a sticky, flavorful sauce with just enough bourbon to keep things interesting and a hint of heat for balance. Whether you’re inviting friends for a cozy dinner or just looking to liven up a weeknight, this slow cooker classic is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! lies in its pantry-friendly ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor. Don’t skip or skimp: from the umami pop of soy sauce to the warmth of bourbon and the brightness of green onions, every element brings something special to the party.

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: These become irresistibly tender and soak up all the sauce flavor for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
1 cup light brown sugar: Provides the signature sweetness and creates that perfectly sticky finish.
1 cup soy sauce: Adds deep umami and rich saltiness to balance the sweetness.
⅓ cup bourbon whiskey: The star ingredient for true Southern flair—don’t worry, the alcohol cooks out, leaving only rich, sweet aroma.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brightens everything and cuts through the richness for addictive balance.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Infuses a gentle warmth and adds layers of flavor to the sauce.
1 tablespoon honey: Extra stickiness and a floral kiss that makes the glaze subtle and crave-worthy.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a hint of heat that livens up every bite without overpowering.
4 cloves garlic, minced: For that robust savory background—don’t hold back on this!
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Key to thickening the sauce to glossy perfection at the end.
2 tablespoons water: Used with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry and prevent lumps.
¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish: Sprinkled at the finish for freshness, color, and a little crunch.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. This is your foundation—no pre-searing needed, since slow cooking will make them unbelievably tender. You’ll want them in a single layer for even cooking and maximum sauce soaking.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Give everything a strong whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks beautifully glossy. This powerhouse sauce is what gives the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! its legendary flavors, blending sweet, salty, tangy, and a little heat.

Step 3: Combine and Cook Low and Slow

Pour your well-mixed sauce right over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is coated. Pop the lid on. Let it cook on high for 4 hours or low for about 6 hours—either way, you’re rewarded with chicken that’s infused with flavor and falls apart with a fork.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Gently remove the cooked chicken thighs and set them on a cutting board. Chop them into hearty chunks or use two forks to shred—whichever texture you love most. This step is crucial, because it allows every bit of meat to get bathed in sauce later on.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Stir together cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Return to your slow cooker and pour in the slurry, whisking it right into the hot sauce. This small move turns the sauce deliciously thick and glossy. Now, add the chopped or shredded chicken back to the pot, gently mix, and let everything cook for 5–10 more minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

When the sauce has the right consistency, turn off the heat and sprinkle in the chopped green onions. They add a pop of color and a bit of crunchy freshness to your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Serve immediately over your favorite rice (or low-carb alternative) and don’t forget a bit more green onion on top.

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Garnishes

For maximum flavor and eye appeal, don’t skip the finishing touches. A big handful of fresh green onion always brightens the richness of the dish. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch or even a little cracked black pepper to amp up the spice factor! These little touches turn every bowl into something irresistible.

Side Dishes

Rice is a classic pairing—whether fluffy white, hearty brown, or even delicate jasmine rice, all make perfect beds for soaking up that bourbon sauce. To lighten things up, serve with cauliflower rice or a medley of steamed broccoli and carrots, which add a fresh, vibrant contrast. For something cozy, buttery mashed potatoes can also work like a dream!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! in lettuce wraps for a fresh party twist—guests can build their own and it’s wonderful as finger food. For meal prep, pack the chicken and sauce over rice in individual bowls for easy grab-and-go lunches. Leftovers also make a fabulous filling for soft tacos or even a hearty sandwich with crispy slaw on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any unused Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! will stay perfectly delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken even further (yum!) and the flavors get an extra chance to meld. Quick tip: store the chicken and sauce together for best results.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftovers: let your chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out any air and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a fast, flavorful dinner on a busy weeknight.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through (add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick). Microwave reheating is also fine—just cover to avoid splatters and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and soak up flavor best, chicken breasts work fine too. Just be mindful not to overcook them so they don’t dry out; check for doneness a bit earlier than the usual cook time.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the bourbon, try using apple juice or an equal amount of chicken broth with a dash of vanilla extract. You won’t get quite the same flavor, but the sauce will still be delightfully sweet and aromatic.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved?

Definitely. The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! is wonderfully versatile—just scale all ingredients evenly. For larger batches, make sure your slow cooker isn’t filled more than 2/3 of the way to ensure even cooking.

How spicy is this version?

With only ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the heat is pretty mild and family-friendly, but you can always adjust to taste. Like it spicy? Add more flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce at the end!

What can I do if my sauce isn’t thick enough?

Don’t worry! Just mix an extra tablespoon of cornstarch with equal water, stir into the hot sauce, and let it bubble for a few more minutes until you reach the glossy, thickened consistency you crave.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, flavor, and a fuss-free meal that impresses every time, do yourself a favor and try the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat—easy enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough for company. Don’t forget to share your delicious results!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will surely become a favorite in your household. The tender chicken thighs simmered in a bourbon-infused sauce are a perfect combination of comfort and taste.

Instructions

Add the chicken thighs to the bottom of a slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it to your preferred texture.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Let cook for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American