This Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a tasty mix of tender chicken, sweet sauce, and just a hint of bourbon flavor. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner!
Let’s be real: the best part is how easy it is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef with no effort at all! 😄
I love serving this chicken over rice. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to soak up every drop with a piece of bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for this recipe due to their juiciness and flavor. If you only have chicken breasts, you can use them, but be careful not to overcook as they can dry out.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Bourbon Whiskey: This adds depth and sweetness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using chicken broth with a dash of vanilla extract for a similar flavor.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives the best flavor and color. You can substitute it with white sugar, but brown sugar adds that lovely caramel-like taste.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can work in a pinch, but use less as they can be more potent.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauce Thickness?
Getting your sauce just right is key! Here’s how to do that effectively:
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. This prevents clumps in your sauce.
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir the slurry into the crock pot. Make sure the sauce is hot enough so it thickens properly.
- Cover and cook on high for an extra 20-30 minutes. This allows the sauce to reach that perfect, sticky consistency.
And there you go! It’s super easy to get a nicely thickened sauce. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated or ground
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, with a cooking time of 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the crock pot. After that, you’ll need an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving. Overall, it’s a delightful dish that’s easy to fit into your day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the cut chicken thighs into the crock pot. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and if you like it spicy, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Blend everything until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the delicious sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Stir gently to make sure all the chicken pieces are coated in that tasty mixture.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. This will help thicken your sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Stir the slurry into the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until your sauce has thickened beautifully.
7. Serve:
Dish out the bourbon chicken over hot, cooked white rice. Each bite will melt in your mouth!
8. Garnish & Enjoy:
Top your chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair. Now dig in and enjoy the sweet, sticky, flavorful goodness!
This dish is sure to impress your family and friends while keeping your time in the kitchen easy and enjoyable!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook faster than thighs and can dry out if overcooked.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! If you want to omit the bourbon, you can substitute it with chicken broth and a splash of vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just toss them into the crock pot with the chicken and sauce at the beginning, and you’ll have a complete meal!
