Bursting with sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavors, the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Imagine tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a glossy bourbon-soy glaze that’s made for soaking into heaps of fluffy rice. This crowd-pleasing classic is beloved for its simplicity—just set it and forget it—while delivering those irresistible takeout vibes right in your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this dish transforms humble ingredients into something totally crave-worthy.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this dish—it calls for only a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a starring role in building layers of flavor and comfort. From the rich depth of bourbon to the zing of fresh garlic, these components combine for that saucy, sticky, unforgettable finish.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay ultra juicy and tender during the slow cook, soaking up all that sauce.
Light brown sugar: Brings signature sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory, salty backbone that balances the sweetness.
Bourbon whiskey: The star flavor—adds warmth, a hint of smokiness, and depth.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives the dish brightness and a subtle tang that keeps it from tasting too sweet.
Ground ginger: Lends a gentle spice and warmth that rounds out the flavors.
Honey: Helps the sauce become glossy and gives a sticky, silky texture.
Red pepper flakes: Offers a touch of heat—just enough to make things interesting.
Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses every bite with irresistible savory aroma.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce right at the end for that perfect cling-to-your-rice consistency.
Water: Used with the cornstarch to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
Chopped green onions: Adds a pop of color and a crisp, fresh note right before serving.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Lay the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in an even layer on the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to dice or slice just yet; they’ll be easy to shred after cooking. This simple step is the foundation for all that flavor to come.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until smooth. This powerhouse sauce is the secret behind why Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Take a quick taste—the flavors should be well balanced between sweet, tangy, and savory.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Pour the rich sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Pop on the lid, set it to high for 4 hours (or low for 6), and let the magic happen! As it cooks, the chicken turns fork-tender and takes on every bit of the sauce’s incredible depth.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce It Up

Once the chicken is cooked through, use tongs to transfer the thighs to a cutting board. Chop or shred them to your preferred texture—chunks or shreds both work great in this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Don’t forget to save all that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce still in the slow cooker, then return the chopped chicken to the pot. Give everything a good stir and let the chicken simmer in the thickening sauce on high for 5 to 10 minutes until glossy and rich.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the finished dish with a generous handful of chopped green onions. The bright green tops add a burst of freshness to every bite, guaranteeing that this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

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

Garnishes

Bright green onions are classic, but you can jazz things up even more with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes, or a little chopped cilantro. These toppings add color, crunch, and extra flavor to make your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Side Dishes

Fluffy steamed white rice is the gold standard, perfectly soaking up all that sticky-sweet sauce. For a heartier option, try brown rice or even quinoa. If you’re going low-carb, cauliflower rice or stir-fried veggies make great partners for this rich, saucy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! in lettuce wraps for a fun handheld meal, or spoon it into steamed bao buns for a playful twist. For a party platter, arrange the sticky chicken on a bed of rice and sprinkle with extra garnishes—watch it disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors intensify overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more irresistible.

Freezing

To freeze, simply portion the cooled chicken (with plenty of sauce) into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. If reheating from frozen, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! tastes just as amazing the second (or third) time around.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor, boneless skinless chicken breasts work in a pinch—just be extra careful not to overcook, as they can dry out faster.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

Yes, you can swap the bourbon for an equal amount of apple juice mixed with a drop or two of vanilla extract. The flavor changes a bit, but you’ll still get that sweet, warm undertone.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Definitely. Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! and is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Cool and store as directed above, then reheat just before serving—it’s ideal for busy evenings or meal prep.

How spicy is this dish?

With just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, it’s mild enough for most palates, but you can absolutely increase or decrease the amount to suit your spice preference.

What’s the best way to shred the cooked chicken?

After slow cooking, the chicken is so tender you can shred it easily with two forks or even use a hand mixer for ultra-fast results. Chop it for bigger pieces if you prefer more bite.

Final Thoughts

From its melt-in-your-mouth texture to that sticky, sweet-savory glaze, you’ll understand why Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! The ease of preparation and explosion of flavors guarantee it’ll earn a spot in your recipe rotation. Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and treat yourself (and your lucky dinner companions) to this irresistible classic—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

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

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (on high) or 6 hours 15 minutes (on low)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, this recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.

Instructions

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

Teaspoon

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 hours on high or 6 hours on low
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American