Crock Pot Bourban Chicken Recipe

Bourbon Chicken is a savory dish that blends the sweetness of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar with the hearty flavor of tender chicken. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe simplifies the preparation process and results in a delicious, fall-apart tender meal. The dish gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it is believed to have originated, although it is widely known and loved across the United States.

Why Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?

Using a slow cooker, or Crock Pot, to make this Bourbon Chicken is a game-changer for busy home cooks. Instead of standing over the stove, you can set it and forget it, while your Crock Pot works its magic. This method results in ultra-tender chicken that soaks up all the rich, flavorful sauce, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, meal prepping, or even a cozy gathering with friends.

Instructions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim and Chop the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While you can cook the chicken whole, cutting it into pieces will allow the meat to absorb more of the bourbon sauce and cook more evenly.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, browning them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Searing the chicken adds flavor and depth to the final dish. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

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3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. You can skip this step if you prefer to add the onions and garlic directly to the slow cooker, but sautéing them first brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder (if using). This creates a perfectly balanced sauce that will infuse the chicken with a mix of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve 1/4 cup of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This step helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. If you like a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch; if you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch or skip it entirely.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot

1. Add Chicken, Onion, and Garlic: Transfer the seared chicken pieces, sautéed onions, and garlic into the Crock Pot. Spread them out evenly at the bottom.

2. Pour the Bourbon Sauce: Pour the prepared bourbon sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat all the pieces with the sauce. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce as much as possible.

3. Cook on Low: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The longer you cook the chicken, the more tender it will become. The sauce will reduce and thicken as the chicken cooks, creating a rich and flavorful glaze.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce has not thickened to your liking, mix in the cornstarch slurry and stir to combine. Let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

2. Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

3. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your tender, flavorful Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! The balance of bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices will surely leave you craving more.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for this dish, chicken thighs will result in even juicier, more flavorful meat. The extra fat in chicken thighs enhances the richness of the sauce.

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot is a crucial step. It locks in flavor and adds a depth to the dish that you won’t get if you skip this step. It also creates a beautiful caramelized exterior on the chicken pieces.

• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your personal preference, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce. If you like a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar. For a more balanced flavor, reduce the amount of sugar.

• Control the Heat: The red pepper flakes and ginger give this recipe a subtle kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. On the other hand, if you love spicy food, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili to the sauce.

• Make It Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen as it sits.

• Freezer-Friendly: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken can be frozen for future meals. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Variations of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

While the classic Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is fantastic on its own, you can try various variations to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both absorb the bourbon sauce well and will result in a satisfying dish. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

2. Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks to the Crock Pot along with the chicken. The pineapple adds a burst of sweetness and a slight tang that complements the bourbon sauce perfectly.

3. Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha sauce, or even a chopped jalapeño to the bourbon sauce. The heat will balance the sweetness and create a vibrant, zesty flavor profile.

4. Add Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas into the Crock Pot. These vegetables will cook in the sauce and add an extra layer of flavor.

5. Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, serve the bourbon chicken over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. The cauliflower rice will absorb the sauce and still provide a satisfying base for the dish.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. The slow cooking method makes the chicken incredibly tender, and the bourbon sauce provides a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your own variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Bourban Chicken Recipe

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Bourbon Chicken is a savory dish that blends the sweetness of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar with the hearty flavor of tender chicken. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe simplifies the preparation process and results in a delicious, fall-apart tender meal. The dish gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it is believed to have originated, although it is widely known and loved across the United States.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup bourbon (feel free to use a substitute like apple juice if you prefer no alcohol)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole if you prefer. (Cutting it into pieces helps it cook faster and absorb more flavor.)
2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Add to the Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces into the Crock Pot and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let the sauce thicken and then serve.
6. Serve: Serve over steamed rice or with your favorite side dish.

Notes

• Bourbon Substitute: If you don’t want to use bourbon, apple juice, orange juice, or even chicken broth can be good substitutes. The bourbon adds a slight smoky flavor, but the sauce will still be delicious without it.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup or add a tablespoon of honey. Adjust the sweetness to your taste!
• Spice Level: The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a nice touch of heat. If you want to make it spicier, you can increase the amount or add a bit of hot sauce or chili paste.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs will give you a slightly juicier result, but breasts work perfectly fine as well.