Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a yummy dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. It’s easy to make and fills your home with a delightful smell!
For me, this dish is perfect for busy days. Just toss in the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and enjoy a tasty meal without much effort. Who doesn’t love that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect here as they stay juicy and tender during cooking. You could use chicken breasts, but they may dry out, so keep an eye on cooking time.
Bourbon: This ingredient adds a unique flavor. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, chicken broth works wonderfully and maintains moisture and taste. Some people love using apple juice for a sweeter touch.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives that nice caramel sweetness. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or even maple syrup for an interesting twist.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for umami flavor. For a gluten-free version, use tamari. Coconut aminos are another good alternative, offering a slightly different taste profile.
Ketchup: It’s somewhat essential for the sauce’s balance. If you’re not a ketchup fan, barbecued sauce or even a blend of tomato paste and honey can substitute.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Tender?
Cooking chicken in a Crock Pot is a great way to make it flavorful and tender. Here’s how to achieve the best result:
- Start with high-quality chicken thighs; they really make a difference.
- Don’t skip the marinating step! Let the chicken sit in the bourbon mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours if time allows.
- Cook on low for the best texture. While the high setting works, you risk drying out the chicken if you’re not careful.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the pot. This allows it to absorb the sauce, adding extra flavor to each bite.
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup bourbon (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix the sauce. Then, you’ll let the Crock Pot do the work by cooking for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This gives you plenty of time to relax while your delicious meal is cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, whisk together the bourbon (or chicken broth), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Make sure it’s well mixed so all the flavors blend together beautifully.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, take your Crock Pot and place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom. It’s okay if they’re piled a little—just try to spread them out as much as you can.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to pour that delicious sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated in that lovely mixture. It’s going to add so much flavor!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked all the way through and tender enough to shred easily.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once your chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right inside the Crock Pot. This way, the chicken can soak up all that amazing sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes so it gets extra flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, serve the bourbon chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Dig in and enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so monitor your cooking time closely, reducing it slightly if cooked on high (around 2-3 hours) or ensuring they don’t cook too long on low.
What if I Don’t Have Bourbon?
No problem! You can replace the bourbon with an equal amount of chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. For a similar flavor profile, consider using apple cider or a combination of vinegar and water (2:1 ratio) as substitutes.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist as it reheats!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the bourbon mixture a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just store it separately from the chicken until you’re ready to cook. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve it. Just add everything to the Crock Pot when you’re ready!
