Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that’s perfect for busy days. The rich bourbon sauce pairs beautifully with juicy chicken thighs, making an easy and delicious meal you can set and forget.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
- Step 2: Stir until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 4: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with the sauce over rice and garnish with green onions.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce further.
Storage
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken when cold; add a splash of water if needed when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts; however, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in slow cooking.
Is there an alcohol taste in the finished dish?
The bourbon cooks down during the long cooking time, leaving a rich depth of flavor without a strong alcohol taste.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich bourbon-infused sauce with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. The sauce is thickened towards the end for a glossy finish, perfect served over rice and garnished with fresh green onions for a comforting and easy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Thickening Mixture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, place the chicken thighs and pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Stir gently until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Prepare Thickener: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixture directly into the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes to thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.
- Serve: Once done, serve the bourbon chicken hot with the rich sauce spooned over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- The bourbon alcohol cooks off during slow cooking, leaving a deep, rich flavor behind.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, but skinless chicken breasts can be used as a leaner option.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount to make the dish sweeter or more savory based on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Bourbon Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken Thighs slow cooked, Bourbon Sauce Chicken
