Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a fantastic, hands-off meal that fills your home with the sweet and slightly tangy aroma of bourbon sauce simmering all day. This dish features tender…
Tip: save now, cook later.Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a fantastic, hands-off meal that fills your home with the sweet and slightly tangy aroma of bourbon sauce simmering all day. This dish features tender chicken pieces slow cooked to perfection, soaked in a sticky, flavorful mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and just a hint of bourbon. The result is juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
I love using the crock pot for this recipe because it lets all those delicious flavors develop slowly without any fuss. It’s one of those meals where you can just set it and forget it, then come home to dinner that feels special but didn’t require a lot of work. I usually double the sauce because it’s so good for drizzling over rice or veggies — I’m definitely not shy about adding an extra splash!
My favorite way to enjoy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is with a side of steamed jasmine rice and some crisp green veggies like broccoli or snap peas. The sweetness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the simple sides and makes it a comforting meal that feels like a treat any day of the week. Whenever I make this, my family always asks for seconds, and I’m pretty sure it will become a favorite in your house too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs are my top pick because they stay juicy and tender after slow cooking. If you want leaner meat, chicken breasts work too, but watch for dryness.
Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon adds a great depth of flavor. If you want to skip alcohol, use apple juice or peach nectar as a substitute. It won’t be quite the same but still tasty.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps keep saltiness balanced. Tamari is a good gluten-free option if you need it.
Brown Sugar & Ketchup: These create the sweet and tangy base for the sauce. You can swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Garlic and Spices: Fresh garlic gives a nice kick. Ground ginger adds warmth; fresh grated ginger can be used for stronger flavor. Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but give a subtle heat.
How Do You Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy in the Crock Pot?
Thickening the sauce is key for the perfect bourbon chicken texture. The crock pot liquid can be thin after slow cooking, so adding a cornstarch slurry helps.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry before adding to the crock pot.
- Stir it into the chicken and sauce about 30 minutes before serving.
- Turn the crock pot to high and cook uncovered so the sauce thickens and reduces nicely.
- If you want extra shine, give the sauce a quick stir towards the end to make sure it’s smooth and coating all the chicken pieces.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – This is the star of the show, making the chicken tender and letting the flavors develop over hours with no fuss.
- Mixing bowl – For whisking together the bourbon sauce ingredients easily before pouring over the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the sauce proportions just right for balanced sweet and savory flavors.
- Small bowl – Perfect for mixing the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula – Handy for stirring and scraping the sauce in the slow cooker.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pork shoulder instead of chicken for a rich, juicy twist that absorbs the bourbon sauce beautifully.
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet, fruity kick that pairs wonderfully with the bourbon flavor.
- Mix in sliced bell peppers or snap peas toward the end of cooking for some fresh crunch and color.
- Try swapping soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos if you want a gluten-free version without sacrificing umami.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup bourbon whiskey
- ½ cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Then, slow cook the chicken for 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high. Before serving, add a quick 20–30 minutes to thicken the sauce. Overall, plan for about 5-6 hours if cooking on low or around 3 hours if using the high setting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like it a bit spicy). Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the sauce is nicely blended.
2. Add Chicken and Sauce to Crock Pot:
Place your bite-sized chicken pieces into the crock pot. Pour the bourbon sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces get coated.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through when done.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to help the sauce thicken up.
5. Finish Cooking:
Turn the crock pot to high and cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Taste the chicken and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite veggies. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch and extra flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crock pot. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and may pose a food safety risk.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken, cook it, then refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour mixed with water as a substitute. Add the mixture about 30 minutes before serving and cook uncovered to thicken.
What Should I Serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.