The Juiciest Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering crockpot bourbon chicken that melts like butter on your plate.

Tender meat soaks up rich, smoky flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Our kitchen experiment turns ordinary chicken into something spectacular without complicated techniques.

Professional chefs would nod with approval at how easily these ingredients come together.

Minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness, promising a meal that looks like you spent hours cooking.

Come hungry and leave satisfied with this ridiculously good recipe that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Kitchen Tips For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Boost Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a kid-friendly and non-alcoholic version without compromising flavor profile.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust cornstarch slurry amount for thicker or thinner sauce based on personal preference, adding gradually to prevent over-thickening.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles for a healthier, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick weeknight dinners.

How To Keep Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Fresh And Warm

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer cooled bourbon chicken into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Package the chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring the sauce completely covers the meat to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Restore Texture: If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, whisk in a little water or chicken broth while reheating to restore the original consistency and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Best Pairings For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Craft a Bourbon-Infused Cocktail Companion: Pair this sweet and tangy chicken with a classic old fashioned cocktail, using bourbon that matches the recipe's depth and complexity.
• Rice Texture Transformation: Opt for jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the rich, caramelized sauce, creating a perfect flavor-absorbing base that complements the chicken's intense profile.
• Fresh Veggie Balancer: Serve alongside crisp steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus, which will cut through the dish's sweetness and provide a light, fresh contrast to the hearty chicken.
• Asian-Inspired Side Salad: Create a quick cucumber and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing, adding a zesty and cool element that refreshes the palate between bourbon chicken bites.

Try These Variations Of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Whiskey Fusion: Swap bourbon with smoky whiskey for a deeper, richer flavor profile that adds complexity to the classic chicken dish.
• Tropical Splash: Replace bourbon with pineapple juice and add diced tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a sweet and tangy Caribbean-inspired version.
• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes and add sriracha sauce to create a fiery version that brings serious heat to the traditional recipe.
• Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to elevate the chicken's aromatics and introduce a fresh, garden-inspired taste.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken FAQs You’ll Want To Read

• Can I use apple juice instead of bourbon?

Absolutely! Apple juice works perfectly as a non-alcoholic substitute and still provides a sweet, fruity flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version.

• What's the best type of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they stay tender and juicy during slow cooking, but chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets dietary requirements.

Why You’ll Crave Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Unlock Effortless Flavor: This crockpot bourbon chicken delivers rich, complex tastes with minimal kitchen effort, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap bourbon for apple juice to create a family-friendly version, making this recipe adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The slow cooking technique guarantees tender, juicy chicken every single time, eliminating the worry of dry or undercooked meat and ensuring a perfect meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prep takes just minutes, and the crockpot handles the cooking, making this an ideal solution for busy families seeking delicious, restaurant-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Juicy and tender meat that absorbs the flavorful sauce, perfect for slow cooking. Chicken thighs or breasts work well, boneless and skinless recommended..

• Bourbon, Apple Juice: Rich, deep flavor enhancer with a sweet and complex profile. Non-alcoholic option available..
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish. Low-sodium version can be used for less salt..
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce. Dark or light brown sugar both work..
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and helps thicken the sauce. Regular tomato ketchup is best..
• Honey: Natural sweetener that gives a glossy finish to the sauce. Local honey recommended..

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness. Helps tenderize the meat..
• Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory undertone. Fresh garlic preferred over jarred..
• Ground Ginger: Adds warm, spicy note to the sauce. Ground or fresh ginger work well..
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and complexity. Adjust amount for desired spice level..

• Cornstarch: Helps create a glossy, thick sauce. Ensures the sauce coats the chicken perfectly..
• Water: Used to create a slurry with cornstarch for sauce thickening..

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp flavor and color to the dish..
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty.

Easy Directions For Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Craft the Flavor Fusion

• Chicken pieces
• Bourbon (or apple juice)
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Place chicken pieces into your trusty crockpot. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until they form a harmonious blend. Pour this liquid magic completely over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a flavor bath.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Deliciousness

Cover your crockpot and let the culinary transformation begin. If you’re patient, choose the low setting and cook for 4-5 hours. For those craving faster results, the high setting works wonders in 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken becomes tender and completely cooked through.

Step 3: Transform the Sauce

Grab a small bowl and create a magical thickening potion by mixing cornstarch with water. About 20 minutes before serving, stir this slurry into the crockpot. Crank the heat to high and let it simmer uncovered. Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy, rich coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 4: Plate and Celebrate

Spread fluffy rice on your serving plates and lovingly transfer the bourbon-infused chicken on top. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will dance with joy!

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Bourbon chicken brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with tender, glazed meat that melts in your mouth. Rich bourbon-infused sauce and succulent chicken create a delicious meal perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Components:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Thickening Agents and Serving Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked white rice or fried rice
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken pieces evenly in the crockpot, ensuring they are not overlapping. Create a zesty marinade by combining bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat the chicken with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Pour any remaining liquid over the chicken.
3. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to slow-cook for approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, use high heat for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
4. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth and free of lumps. About 20 minutes before serving, gently stir the slurry into the crockpot to enhance sauce consistency.
5. Increase the crockpot temperature to high and leave uncovered, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Transfer the succulent bourbon chicken onto a bed of fluffy rice. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds as a final garnish.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they stay more tender during slow cooking compared to chicken breasts.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains similar depth and richness in the sauce.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with less and add more gradually to suit individual heat preferences.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing sauce ingredients night before and storing in refrigerator, which saves morning cooking time and allows flavors to meld overnight.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg