Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Craving takeout flavors without leaving home? This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is tender, saucy, and sweet with just the right kick. With only minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, giving you a family favorite that’s ready to serve over rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort. You only need a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker to make it happen. The chicken cooks low and slow, soaking up a rich sauce made with soy, bourbon, garlic, and brown sugar. As it simmers, the flavors deepen into that signature sweet-and-savory balance you usually only get at a restaurant.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because prep time is barely five minutes. You mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the crock pot handle the rest. By the time dinner rolls around, the meat is so tender it nearly falls apart.

It’s also versatile. Serve it over fluffy rice for a comforting meal, toss it with noodles for a fun twist, or pair it with steamed broccoli to keep things lighter. You can even adjust the spice level to fit your family’s taste. It’s a slow cooker dish that delivers flavor, flexibility, and comfort with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken relies on simple but powerful ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the base, giving you juicy, tender meat that stands up to long cooking. Light brown sugar and honey bring natural sweetness, balancing the saltiness of soy sauce. The bourbon adds depth, cooking down into a smooth, rich flavor that’s family-friendly since the alcohol cooks off during the process.

Apple cider vinegar and a touch of ginger add tang and warmth, while garlic provides savory intensity. Red pepper flakes give just enough heat to cut through the sweetness, though you can adjust the amount to your liking. Green onions make the perfect fresh garnish at the end, adding color and crunch.

Every ingredient works together to create a sticky, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken. Be sure to check the full recipe card for exact measurements before cooking so you get the perfect flavor balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them in your slow cooker. Using thighs keeps the meat juicy even after hours of cooking.

Make the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.

Slow cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. As it cooks, the chicken will absorb the sweet and savory sauce, becoming fork-tender.

Thicken the sauce

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken and chop or shred it, depending on your preference. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch with water until dissolved, then mix it into the sauce inside the slow cooker. Stir well and let it cook a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Finish and serve

Return the chicken to the pot and stir to coat in the glossy sauce. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. It’s delicious over white rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables. For a little extra crunch, top with sesame seeds.

Recipe Tips and Notes

You can shred the chicken for a pulled-style dish or keep it in chunks for a more traditional look. Both work well, so go with what your family enjoys. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For garnish, green onions and sesame seeds not only add color but also a nice bite of freshness.

The bourbon flavor cooks down and mellows, leaving behind depth without alcohol, so this dish is still family-friendly. If you prefer a thicker, more tangy sauce, a spoonful of ketchup can be stirred in before cooking. It deepens the flavor and adds extra richness.

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust sweetness or spice levels. Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the sauce continues to meld with the chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’d like a non-alcoholic version, swap the bourbon for apple juice or chicken broth. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying. For a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts can replace thighs, though keep an eye on cooking time since they dry out more quickly.

Want more texture? Toss in bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for color and crunch. A splash of ketchup or hoisin sauce adds another layer of flavor if you like a slightly more complex sauce.

You can also change how you serve it. Try it in lettuce wraps for a lighter twist, or over mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort meal. This recipe adapts to your taste and what you have in the pantry.

Equipment You’ll Need

A 7-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe since it gives the chicken plenty of room to cook evenly. You’ll also need mixing bowls for the sauce, a whisk to blend it smoothly, and basic utensils like a cutting board and knife for prepping garlic and trimming chicken. That’s it—no fancy tools required.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce will thicken a bit as it chills, but it reheats beautifully. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months.

When reheating, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring in a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Either way, the flavors stay bold and comforting.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is one of those slow cooker meals you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and easy entertaining. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got a restaurant-style dish with almost no effort.

Try one of the suggested variations if you want to mix things up, or stick with the classic version for guaranteed family smiles. Either way, this recipe is a winner. If you love this dish, don’t forget to check out other favorites like the CrockPot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe and more comforting ideas on Microwaves Recipes. You can even follow along on Pinterest for fresh inspiration.