Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor and can be thrown together effortlessly, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try. Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, this dish combines sweet and savory flavors with a slight kick of bourbon whiskey. The slow cooker makes it tender and juicy, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs or breasts on both sides until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds great flavor.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

1. Layer the Chicken: Place the seared chicken into the crock pot in an even layer.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared bourbon sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is covered.

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cook on Low: Cover and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

1. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
2. Add to Crock Pot: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot. This will help thicken the sauce, making it glossy and rich.

Step 6: Shred or Serve Whole

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, you can shred the chicken using two forks, or leave the pieces whole if you prefer.

Step 7: Serve

1. Plate the Chicken: Serve the bourbon chicken over a bed of steamed rice.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you have a meal that tastes like you spent all day on it.
• Rich, Bold Flavors: The bourbon whiskey adds depth to the sauce, while the sweet and tangy combination of soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar brings balance.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a sandwich filling for a delicious twist.
• Tender Chicken: The slow cooker ensures that the chicken is perfectly tender and flavorful, practically falling apart as you serve it.

Tips and Variations

1. Make It Alcohol-Free:

• If you prefer to skip the bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.

2. Add Veggies:

• To make this dish even more filling and nutritious, toss in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.

3. Control the Heat:

• If you like things spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Bourbon chicken freezes well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or use the microwave. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

• Yes, chicken breasts work just as well, though chicken thighs tend to remain more moist and flavorful when slow-cooked.

2. What does the bourbon add to the dish?

• Bourbon adds a subtle smoky sweetness and depth to the sauce. Most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, complex flavor.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

• Absolutely! You can simmer the chicken and sauce over low heat in a covered pot for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is tender.

4. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

• Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold everything.

5. What should I serve with Bourbon Chicken?

• Bourbon chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that come together effortlessly in a slow cooker. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Serve it over rice for a hearty, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a meal that's packed with flavor and can be thrown together effortlessly, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try. Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, this dish combines sweet and savory flavors with a slight kick of bourbon whiskey. The slow cooker makes it tender and juicy, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort meals.

- Advertisement -

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Optionally, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This adds flavor but is optional.
2. Mix the Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add to Crock Pot:
   Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
4. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Shred or Leave Chicken Whole:
   You can either shred the chicken or leave it whole, depending on your preference. Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat.
7. Serve:
   Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Alcohol Content: Most of the alcohol will cook off, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with apple juice.

Chicken Options: Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work just as well.

Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors deepen as it sits.

Side Ideas: Serve with steamed vegetables or stir-fried greens for a complete meal.