Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

If you’re looking for an easy yet incredibly delicious dinner option, look no further than this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce that will leave your family asking for seconds. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors develop beautifully throughout the day.

Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of slow-cooked chicken, ready to be served over fluffy rice. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, this dish is not just satisfying but also a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just season the chicken, mix the sauce, and let the crockpot do its magic!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; just set it in the morning and enjoy later!
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even salad for a fresh twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. You might already have many of these items in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and pepper, (to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup bourbon, (or substitute with barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)

For Thickening

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for a touch of heat.
• Change up the sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken thighs with Kosher salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances their flavor while they cook. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot; they will soak up all that delicious sauce as they simmer away.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup bourbon, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Stir well until everything is nicely blended. Pour this heavenly mixture over the chicken in your crockpot—it will create an irresistible glaze as it cooks!

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. The low-and-slow method allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping that chicken tender and juicy.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk this slurry into your crockpot—this step is key to achieving that thickened sauce that clings perfectly to every bite!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once done, serve your delicious Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over rice. Feel free to garnish with fresh green onions if you like! Each bite will be bursting with flavor—enjoy every moment around the table with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Cooking in a crockpot is all about simplicity and flavor, and with these tips, you’ll achieve the best results!

• Use high-quality chicken thighs: Opting for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs ensures tenderness and rich flavor, making every bite of your bourbon chicken irresistible.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the brown sugar. Balancing the sweetness allows the savory flavors to shine through, creating a more harmonious dish.

• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: This step is key for achieving that glossy and thick sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. It elevates the overall presentation and mouthfeel of your meal.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of acidity or heat. These additions can enhance the complexity of flavors in your dish.

• Let it rest before serving: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps distribute the juices throughout the meat, resulting in an even more succulent dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

This delightful crockpot bourbon chicken is not only delicious but also makes for an impressive presentation. Here’s how you can serve it up!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully and serves as a perfect base to soak up all those tasty juices.

• Garlic sautéed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans stir-fried with garlic offer a fresh contrast to the richness of the bourbon chicken while adding vibrant color to your plate.

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides a refreshing balance, cutting through the sweetness of the dish and adding texture.

• Mashed sweet potatoes: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with bourbon chicken while offering a comforting side that everyone will love.

By following these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting table full of flavors that will leave your family asking for seconds! Enjoy your delicious crockpot bourbon chicken!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring you have delicious meals ready when you need them.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or return it to the crockpot on low until heated through.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re in the right place!

Can I use other liquids instead of bourbon in Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

Absolutely! Instead of bourbon, you can substitute with barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth for a different flavor profile that still works beautifully with this recipe.

How long does Crockpot Bourbon Chicken take to cook?

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken takes approximately 4 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While this recipe is designed for boneless skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, you can use chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

What should I serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe brings joy and flavor into your kitchen! With its simple preparation and rich taste, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations. Happy cooking!