Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

If you’re looking for a recipe that embodies comfort and ease, this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is just the ticket! There’s something magical about coming home to the inviting aroma of tender chicken simmering away in a rich, sweet sauce. This dish has quickly become a family favorite around our dinner table, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings with friends.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re serving it over rice for an everyday dinner or impressing guests at a cozy gathering, this melt-in-your-mouth crockpot bourbon chicken will leave hearts and bellies full.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just pop everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making dinner time stress-free.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Cook it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is part of the fun! You’ll be pleased to see that these are all simple, wholesome items that you might already have on hand. Let’s dive into what you need for this delightful dish!

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and pepper, (to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup bourbon (or substitute with barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)

For Thickening

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and personalize it to your taste. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Add some veggies: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Change up the sides: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different twist!

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken thighs with Kosher salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken before it simmers in the sauce. Place them snugly at the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon (or alternative), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Mixing these ingredients well ensures each bite is bursting with flavor. Once combined, pour this lovely mixture over your seasoned chicken.

Step 3: Cook It Slow

Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. The magic happens here as low and slow cooking transforms those chicken thighs into tender morsels soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk this slurry into your cooking sauce to thicken it beautifully. This step adds richness that clings perfectly to each piece of chicken.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve your succulent chicken over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness. Your family will be asking for seconds—and trust me; you’ll want to save some leftovers!

Enjoy making this comforting meal as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Cooking can be a breeze with a few handy tips, and this recipe is no exception! Here are some pro tips to ensure your crockpot bourbon chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs: This cut stays juicy and tender during the long cooking process, making it ideal for slow-cooked recipes.

• Don’t rush the cooking time: Allowing the chicken to cook on low for 4 hours enhances the flavors, ensuring that the sauce permeates the meat for a deliciously rich outcome.

• Thicken the sauce at the right time: Adding the cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving allows it to thicken without clumping, giving you a silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar or add more soy sauce to balance out the flavors.

• Freeze leftovers for easy meals: This dish freezes well! Portion out any leftovers in airtight containers for quick meals on busy nights. Just reheat and serve!

How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Serving your crockpot bourbon chicken can be just as delightful as preparing it. With a few simple ideas, you can turn a cozy dinner into an impressive meal!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle these over your dish for a fresh, crunchy bite that adds color and flavor.
• Sesame seeds: A light sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a touch of elegance and nuttiness to your plate.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the rich sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

• Garlic sautéed green beans: These vibrant green beans add a splash of color and crunch, complementing the tender chicken beautifully.

• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a great contrast in texture and adds a bit of tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the dish.

• Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread makes an excellent companion for this meal, perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

With these garnishes and side dishes in mind, your crockpot bourbon chicken will not only be satisfying but also visually appealing! Enjoy every bite with loved ones around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the week with minimal effort. Prepare it ahead of time, store it properly, and savor every bite whenever you’re ready!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dish.

What can I substitute for bourbon in Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

If you’re looking for alternatives, barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth work wonderfully as substitutes for bourbon while still providing great flavor to your dish.

How do I make slow cooker bourbon chicken without alcohol?

You can easily make slow cooker bourbon chicken without alcohol by using apple juice or chicken broth instead of bourbon. The sweetness from brown sugar will complement these flavors beautifully!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts in place of thighs. However, keep in mind that they may cook faster and could be slightly less tender than thighs.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

Cooking Crockpot Bourbon Chicken on low will take about 4 hours, while cooking on high takes approximately 3 hours.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe as delightful as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings family and friends together around the table. Enjoy the ease of making it and the joy it brings when served over rice. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!