The Best Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe for Effortless Dinners

Tender chicken simmered in a mouthwatering crockpot bourbon chicken recipe promises pure comfort on a plate.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this simple yet irresistible dish.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The rich bourbon glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes that complement the juicy chicken.

This recipe offers a delicious solution for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve it over steaming rice, and watch as your dinner table comes alive with excitement and satisfaction.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they tend to dry out faster. Use boneless, skinless breasts and reduce cooking time by 30-45 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?

No, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or orange juice. These alternatives will change the flavor profile slightly but still provide a delicious result.

• How can I make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar by half or replace it with a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken – Top Features

• This crockpot bourbon chicken transforms complex cooking into a super easy meal that practically makes itself, giving busy home cooks a delicious dinner solution with minimal effort.
• The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates an irresistible sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
• With just a handful of pantry staples and chicken thighs, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, without the complicated prep work.
• This recipe delivers maximum flavor at a minimal cost, turning affordable chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal that feels luxurious but won't break the bank.

Bourbon Chicken Crockpot Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Dark meat cut that provides rich flavor and stays tender during slow cooking.

• Bourbon, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce, Garlic: Combination creates a sweet, savory, and complex flavor profile for the chicken.

• Cornstarch, Water: Helps create a glossy, smooth sauce with the right consistency.

• Green Onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.

Gear for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking chicken to tender perfection.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements for bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
• Measuring spoons: Accurately portion salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Whisk: Blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Mix cornstarch and water for thickening.
• Cutting board: Prep green onions for garnish.
• Sharp knife: Chop green onions neatly.
• Serving spoon: Transfer chicken from crockpot to rice.

How to Make Bourbon Chicken in a Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Protein

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over chicken thighs.

Gently place the seasoned chicken pieces into the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly distributed and not overcrowded.

Step 2: Craft Flavorful Liquid Base

• Bourbon whiskey
• Dark brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic

Pour the vibrant sauce mixture directly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated with the delicious marinade.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set the temperature.

For tender, falling-apart chicken, choose low heat and cook for 4 hours.

If you’re short on time, select high heat and cook for 3 hours until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce Texture

• Cornstarch
• Water

Gently stir the mixture into the cooking liquid to transform the sauce into a rich, glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Carefully transfer the bourbon-infused chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice.

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma.

Tips for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor depth.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts to ensure tender, juicy meat that won't become tough during slow cooking.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce coating the chicken.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of sesame oil for extra depth and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick, delicious weeknight dinners that reheat beautifully.

Bourbon Chicken – Mix It Up

• Healthier Bourbon Chicken: Replace bourbon with apple juice, use honey instead of brown sugar, and add extra garlic for flavor depth.
• Spicy Asian Version: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce, use rice vinegar for extra tang, and sprinkle sesame seeds when serving.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari, use arrowroot instead of cornstarch, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Instant Pot Adaptation: Follow same recipe steps but cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes with quick release, reducing total cooking time.

Serving Bourbon Chicken Hot

• Comfort Plating Paradise: Spread fluffy white rice on a large platter and nestle bourbon chicken pieces attractively on top, creating an inviting main dish presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Transfer entire crockpot contents to a large serving bowl, allowing everyone to serve themselves with extra sauce for drizzling over rice.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions generously across the chicken, adding bright color and a subtle onion crunch that complements the rich bourbon sauce.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to balance the sweet and savory chicken, creating a complete and satisfying meal that pleases all ages.

How to Store Bourbon Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour chicken and sauce into skillet. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amount of water if sauce seems thick. Heat until thoroughly warm and chicken reaches safe temperature.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent crockpot bourbon chicken blends sweet and tangy flavors from Louisiana-inspired cuisine. Southern comfort meets slow-cooker convenience with tender meat that melts in your mouth, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs

Seasonings and Spices:

• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sweeteners:

• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup soy sauce

Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

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Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a separate bowl to create a rich, aromatic marinade.
3. Pour the bourbon mixture directly over the seasoned chicken thighs in the crockpot, coating each piece thoroughly.
4. Set crockpot to low temperature and allow chicken to slow-cook for 4 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3 hours until meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
5. Thirty minutes before cooking concludes, create a cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
6. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooking liquid, which will naturally thicken the sauce and create a glossy, caramelized coating.
7. Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer chicken to a serving platter, allowing excess sauce to drip back into the crockpot.
8. Drizzle remaining sauce over the chicken and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
9. Serve hot alongside fluffy steamed rice, allowing guests to spoon additional sauce over their portion.

Notes

• Swap bourbon for apple juice or chicken broth if avoiding alcohol, maintaining rich flavor complexity without changing recipe structure.
• Trim excess fat from chicken thighs before cooking to reduce greasiness and create cleaner sauce texture.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of rice vinegar or small amount of sriracha for subtle tangy kick that balances sweetness.
• Create low-sodium version by using reduced-sodium soy sauce and adjusting salt levels to maintain flavor profile without compromising health considerations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 100mg