Sticky-sweet with a hint of smoky heatthis Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe takes me straight back to those mall food court smells we all secretly loved. It’s trending again on Pinterest and TikTok (because: EASY). Chop, stir, slow cook. That’s it. Dinner does its thing while you live your life.
This is the kind of dish that makes everyone ask, “What’s that amazing smell?” Made with tender chicken thighs, garlic, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, this Bourbon Chicken Recipe Crockpot is pantry-friendly and totally weeknight-worthy. Think of it as one of those easy crockpot dinners that secretly feel fancy. Full details in the blog!
I grew up on slow simmered family recipes, and this one’s got all that warmth packed in. As a chef, I test until it’s rightand yes, I snuck in a little twist for better flavor (you’ll see). Simple, cozy, and reliable. Just the kind of crockpot dish we love coming home to.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
This recipe is one of those magical crockpot dishes that takes practically zero effort but delivers big, family-approved flavors. Here are a few reasons it’s bound to become a forever favorite:
Delicious simplicity: With a sweet, smoky bourbon sauce and tender chicken thighs, it’s an irresistible combo.
Hands-off cooking: Just toss everything into your crockpot, and dinner cooks itself. Perfect for those extra-busy days!
Pantry-friendly: No fancy ingredients herejust everyday staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
Cozy flavors: This dish feels like a warm hug and totally captures those nostalgic mall food court vibes.
Ingredients & Easy Swaps
The ingredients here are simple and straightforward, but let’s break them down to make everything extra beginner-friendly:
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender after slow cooking. You can swap for chicken breast in a pinch, but thighs work best here for maximum flavor.
Bourbon whiskey: The star of the sauce! It adds a smoky depth without being overpowering. If you prefer alcohol-free, swap with apple juice or a splash of extra vinegar.
Sauce staples: A mix of brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey creates that classic sweet-savory coating.
Flavor boosters: Garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes round out the sauce with a punch of spicy, warm flavor.
Ingredient
Possible Substitution
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
Chicken breast (but thighs are juicier!)
Bourbon whiskey
Apple juice or extra cider vinegar
Red pepper flakes
Skip for mild flavor
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
This slow cooker dinner couldn’t be easier! Here’s how to make it:
Prep the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the thighs and place them in your crockpot.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, garlic, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
Cook low and slow: Set your crockpot on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The chicken is ready when tender and easily pulls apart.
Thicken the sauce: About 10 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and serve over warm rice for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Cooking Setting
Time
Low
4–5 hours
High
2–3 hours
Troubleshooting & Tips for Success
Dry chicken? Be sure to use thighsthey stay moist even in long cooking times. If using breasts, check them earlier to prevent overcooking.
Sauce too thin? The cornstarch-water slurry should thicken it, but if needed, switch your crockpot to high and let it simmer for 5 extra minutes.
Flavor adjustments: Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! Prefer sweeter? Stir in a touch of extra honey toward the end.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Lucky you! This dish is just as incredible the next day.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or simmer on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Storage Option
Time
Refrigerator
Up to 4 days
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Expert Insight: Mastering Flavor with a Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Cooking bourbon chicken in a slow cooker allows the flavors to deeply meld while keeping the meat tender and juicy. This CROCK POT BOURBON CHICKEN RECIPE balances sweetness and savory notes, making it an ideal example of how low and slow cooking can elevate simple ingredients into a richly satisfying dish.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
How I Perfected My Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
After several slow cooker experimentsone batch was too sweet, another too saltyI finally found the right balance for my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe. It took time and a few lessons in patience, but now the sauce is rich and tender, making this a dependable, comforting meal my family loves every time.
FAQs ( Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken )
Can I use frozen chicken for this bourbon chicken crockpot recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts in your slow cooker for this delicious bourbon chicken recipe. However, you’ll need to add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. For best results and even cooking, it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first, but frozen chicken works in a pinch for this easy crockpot dinner.
How long does crock pot bourbon chicken take to cook?
This bourbon chicken recipe typically takes 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat in your crockpot. The exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. Chicken thighs usually need the full time, while smaller pieces may cook faster. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
What can I substitute for bourbon in this chicken slow cooker recipe?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice, chicken broth, or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version. These alternatives will still give you a flavorful slow cooker dinner, though the taste will be slightly different. You can also use whiskey or rum as alcoholic substitutes. The key is maintaining the sweet and savory balance that makes this crockpot dish so delicious.
Should I thicken the sauce in my bourbon chicken recipe?
Yes, thickening the sauce makes this chicken crockpot recipe even better! Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates a glossy, restaurant-style sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. You can also remove the lid for the final 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate naturally.
What sides go best with this summer crockpot recipe?
This bourbon chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad make excellent vegetable sides. For summer entertaining, serve it over rice with grilled pineapple or alongside coleslaw for a complete meal. The sweet and savory flavors complement both Asian-inspired and American side dishes perfectly.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a total winnertender chicken, that sweet-savory bourbon sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection with minimal effort. In just a few hours, you’ll have a cozy dinner that feels special but cooks itself. You’ll love how juicy and flavorful it turns out every time.
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, or add a pinch more red pepper flakes for some kick. Leftovers? They freeze beautifully and reheat like a charm, perfect for quick easy crockpot dinners. A little tip from the CIA kitchen: always give your sauce time to thickenit makes all the difference in your Bourbon Chicken Crockpot experience.
Give this recipe a try and share your takes or photosI’d love to see your spin! Did you grow up with a comforting slow cooker dish like this? Pass it along to someone special and savor that homemade feeling. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wanna make it again.
Joe Rooney
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Simple Delicious Dish
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich bourbon-infused sauce. This Bourbon Chicken Recipe Crockpot is perfect for busy weeknights and is one of the best Easy Crockpot Dinners and Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes you can make. Serve it over rice for a comforting and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Place the trimmed chicken thighs in the crock pot.
In a bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until smooth.
Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
Continue cooking on low for the remaining 15 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serve the bourbon chicken hot over cooked rice.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch slurry gradually until desired consistency is reached. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
1 thought on “Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Simple Delicious Dish”
Comments are closed.