Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, it combines a rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. In a larger bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, the cornstarch slurry, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to coat well.
- Step 5: Serve the bourbon chicken garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, alongside rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking, simmer the sauce on the stovetop until thickened, then return the chicken to coat.
Storage
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, both boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Do I need to add water or broth during cooking?
No, the sauce ingredients combined with the slow cooking process produce enough liquid to keep the chicken moist without adding extra water or broth.
PrintCrockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a flavorful bourbon-inspired sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this dish is both comforting and packed with sweet and savory flavors, served garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-4 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the slurry and sauce: Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, the prepared cornstarch slurry, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until thoroughly combined.
- Add chicken and sauce to slow cooker: Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce.
- Slow cook the chicken: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook the chicken on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred and combine: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot with the bourbon sauce and stir well to coat all the chicken in the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the shredded bourbon chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will yield a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Serve over steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Keywords: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, slow cooker chicken, bourbon chicken recipe, easy crockpot dinner, sweet and savory chicken
