This Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a sweet and sticky dish that’s a total crowd-pleaser! With tender chicken slow-cooked in a bourbon sauce, it’s perfect served over rice.
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to cook! I love how easy this meal is—throw everything in, and let the Crock Pot do the magic. It’s a winner for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work too, but will be less tender. You could even use cubed tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bourbon: This gives the dish its signature flavor. If you don’t have bourbon, try using whiskey or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic alternative. Just keep in mind the taste will slightly differ.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Tamari is another great gluten-free alternative that also works well in this dish.
Brown Sugar: For a lighter touch, consider using coconut sugar or honey. Be aware that honey is a bit sweeter, so you might want to reduce the amount.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness. White vinegar works in a pinch, but the taste might be sharper.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
Cooking chicken perfectly in a Crock Pot is all about timing. Follow these simple steps:
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours for super tender chicken. If you’re short on time, 3-4 hours on high is okay but watch closely.
- Always check the internal temperature, keeping it at 165°F (75°C). Overcooking can make it dry.
- For shredding, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. It makes handling it easier!
Remember, slow-cooking lets the flavors meld nicely, so don’t rush the process. Your patience will result in a delicious meal!
Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stuffing, flavorful dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it cooks in the Crock Pot for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After it’s done cooking, you’ll need an additional 15-20 minutes for thickening the sauce. So, set aside a bit of time for cooking while you get to relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of your Crock Pot. Make sure they are evenly spread out to ensure they cook properly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix it until everything is well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated so that it absorbs all that delicious flavor during cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. You want it to be moist and falling apart easy!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, carefully take it out and place it on a serving platter or a large plate. If you like, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture back into the Crock Pot and stir well with the remaining sauce. Turn the Crock Pot to high and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the shredded chicken. Serve your Bourbon Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your delicious, easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken with family and friends! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that while they are leaner, they may not be as tender as thighs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy—roughly 3-4 hours on low should suffice.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to add extra cooking time if the chicken is cold from the fridge!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture during reheating.
