The Juiciest Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Discovering the magic of bourbon chicken in a slow cooker changes everything about weeknight dinner expectations.

Tender meat practically melts with rich, caramelized flavors that dance across your palate.

Juicy chicken pieces absorb a complex marinade that hints at southern comfort and asian-inspired cuisine.

Your kitchen will smell incredible as this dish simmers gently throughout the afternoon.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between sweet and tangy notes that make mouths water instantly.

Friends and neighbors might suddenly appear, drawn by the incredible aroma wafting through your home.

You can create restaurant-quality magic with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Dive into this recipe and watch how easily extraordinary meals come together.

Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner: Simple Joys

• Simplify Cooking: Crockpot method eliminates complex cooking techniques, letting you toss ingredients and walk away while a delicious meal develops without constant monitoring.
• Flavor Explosion: Bold combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy ingredients like brown sugar, bourbon, and pepper flakes creates a mouth-watering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Perfect for busy families, this recipe works great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping – simply shred the chicken and store for quick lunches or dinner variations throughout the week.
• Minimal Ingredient Hassle: Requires common pantry staples, reducing grocery shopping stress and making it accessible for home cooks with varying skill levels.

Crockpot Chicken: Your Grocery List

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts of meat that become flavorful and soft when slow-cooked.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Sweet components that help caramelize and create a rich glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
• Bourbon: Provides a complex, slightly smoky undertone to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Offers a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.

• Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic spices that provide depth and traditional Asian-inspired flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a mild heat and subtle spiciness.
• Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning with a mild warmth.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth, glossy sauce texture.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a light, sharp flavor.
• Rice: Classic side dish that serves as a perfect base for the saucy chicken.

Crockpot Chicken – Just a Few Steps

Step 1: Prep Chicken

Nestle chicken thighs into the crockpot, making sure they are evenly spread and not overcrowded.

Trim any excess fat to ensure a clean, lean protein base for your meal.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Bourbon
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh grated ginger
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes
• Minced garlic

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, glossy marinade that will infuse the chicken with incredible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Start the Magic

Pour the marinade directly over the chicken in the crockpot.

Ensure each piece is generously coated.

Cover and set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Step 4: Shred and Transform

Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot.

Using two forks, gently shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, creating a beautiful, tender texture.

Step 5: Sauce Enhancement

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Slowly pour this into the existing sauce in the crockpot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and help the sauce thicken beautifully.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring to coat every piece with the rich, glossy sauce.

Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

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

Serve over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Crockpot Chicken Magic

• Add a splash of rice wine or mirin to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without sacrificing the rich, savory profile of the dish.
• Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha for those who love a fiery kick in their chicken dinner.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion before slow cooking.
• Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free and equally delicious.

Ways to Change Up Crockpot Chicken

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Substitute bourbon with white wine and add fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip brown sugar and honey, use monk sweetener instead. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carbohydrate meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking while maintaining sauce's robust flavor profile.

Plating Crockpot Chicken Dinner

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve this tender chicken over fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Zesty Side Kick: Add quick pickled cucumber slices or a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw to balance the rich, sweet-savory chicken flavors.
• Hearty Meal Complete: Roast some broccoli or steamed green beans alongside to create a balanced, nutritious dinner that everyone will love.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and a light drizzle of sesame oil for an aromatic and vibrant presentation.

Storing Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and sauce together. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place chicken and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour chicken and sauce into skillet. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of water or broth if sauce seems dry. Heat until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine, but they might dry out faster. Use boneless, skinless breasts and reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours to prevent overcooking.

• Is bourbon necessary for the recipe?

No, you can substitute bourbon with chicken broth, apple juice, or additional soy sauce. If avoiding alcohol, these alternatives will maintain similar flavor depth.

• How spicy is this dish with pepper flakes?

The recipe has mild heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce pepper flakes by half. For more kick, add extra pepper flakes or include fresh chopped chili.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free certified.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent bourbon chicken sings with Southern comfort, blending sweet and tangy flavors in a simple slow cooker magic. Tender meat falls apart effortlessly, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Sauces and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup green onions

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken thighs neatly inside the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly distributed and not overlapping.
2. Create a robust marinade by blending brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, minced ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and crushed garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Carefully drench chicken thighs with the prepared marinade, covering each piece completely in the liquid mixture.
4. Set crockpot to high temperature and cook for approximately 4 hours, or alternatively use low temperature for 6 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily falls apart.
5. Carefully extract chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
6. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth, then gradually incorporate into the remaining cooking liquid to create a thickened sauce.
7. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot, gently stirring to coat with the enhanced sauce and allow to simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the dish and serve immediately alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Trim chicken thighs carefully to remove excess fat for a leaner meal.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content for healthier dietary needs.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and verify bourbon’s gluten status.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on High) or 6 hours (on Low)
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 1730 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg