Tender, juicy, and drenched in a sweet and savory glaze, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly. With rich soy bourbon flavor and a touch of heat, it’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry family.
This slow cooker classic is not just delicious it’s also low fuss. Just toss everything into the pot and let the magic happen. Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, and you’ve got a satisfying, takeout style meal without leaving home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1/4 cup bourbon
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cold water
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Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
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Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
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In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover.
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Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Remove chicken from crock pot and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
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Pour the slurry into the sauce remaining in the crock pot and stir well.
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Return the chicken to the crock pot, mix with the thickened sauce, and cook on high for an additional 20–30 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 345 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Southern Classic Made Easy
Bourbon Chicken is a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and convenience in one hearty meal. Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans rather than the whiskey (though yes, bourbon is part of the magic), this recipe is a fusion of Southern flair and Asian inspired flavors. Traditionally pan cooked and glazed with a sweet savory sauce, this version gets an upgrade in both ease and tenderness by using the crock pot a kitchen tool revered for transforming everyday ingredients into slow cooked perfection.
If you’re looking for a low effort, high reward meal that pleases the whole family and fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma, you’ve come to the right place.
A Little History of Bourbon Chicken
The origins of Bourbon Chicken are as interesting as the name itself. While many assume it’s a classic Southern dish due to its name, the reality is that it’s more of an American Chinese hybrid. It’s often found in food courts across the U.S. at Chinese restaurants and fast food style outlets. Despite its name, the dish has little to do with traditional Southern cuisine, and more to do with the sweet, sticky, and umami laden sauces that dominate many Asian American recipes.
The name likely comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which is famous for its lively culture and deep food roots. That’s also where a version of this recipe was reportedly created in a small Chinese restaurant decades ago, marrying the bold punch of bourbon with the caramel tones of brown sugar and soy sauce.
Why Use a Crock Pot?
If you’ve ever made Bourbon Chicken on the stovetop, you know how easy it is to overcook or under season the dish. That’s where the crock pot shines. It slowly infuses the flavors into the chicken, keeping the meat moist, tender, and full of flavor. With almost no babysitting required, the slow cooker transforms everyday chicken thighs into a restaurant quality meal right in your kitchen.
The crock pot’s “set it and forget it” nature makes it an ideal method for busy households. Whether you’re working, parenting, or just want a relaxing day without hovering over the stove, you can count on the crock pot to deliver every time.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
What makes this Bourbon Chicken so irresistible? It’s all about the balance. The bourbon adds a warm, deep note with subtle caramel undertones, but it doesn’t overpower the dish. It’s cooked down so thoroughly that only the rich essence remains no boozy aftertaste. The brown sugar gives the sauce its signature sticky sweet coating, while soy sauce and garlic bring in salty umami depth. Ginger and red pepper flakes add subtle heat and zing, elevating the overall profile from basic to bold.
The texture is another highlight. Thanks to the slow cooker, the chicken becomes fork tender, almost shredding itself by the time it’s done. When tossed back into the thickened sauce, each piece becomes a flavor bomb juicy, succulent, and glazed in perfection.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chick
Here are a few expert tips to ensure you nail the recipe every single time:
1. Use Chicken Thighs Over Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are more forgiving and flavorful than chicken breasts. They stay moist during long cooking times and better absorb the sauce.
2. Don’t Skip the Slurry:
The cornstarch and water mixture added at the end is key to achieving that signature glaze. Without it, your sauce may remain too runny.
3. Add Vegetables for a Full Meal:
Want to make it even more nutritious? Throw in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up the sauce and add color and texture.
4. Go Easy on the Bourbon:
If you’re cooking for children or don’t want a strong bourbon flavor, reduce the amount slightly or simmer it longer to cook off more alcohol.
5. Double the Batch for Meal Prep:
Bourbon Chicken makes fantastic leftovers. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can also be frozen for future meals. Just reheat and serve over rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Here are some favorite ways to serve Bourbon Chicken:
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White Rice or Jasmine Rice: The classic base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
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Fried Rice: Add more texture and flavor by pairing it with homemade or store bought fried rice.
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Lo Mein or Udon Noodles: Make it feel like a Chinese takeout night.
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Steamed Broccoli or Stir Fried Veggies: Add a pop of color and freshness to balance the sweetness.
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Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles: For a low carb option that’s just as satisfying.
You can also top the finished dish with garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added crunch.
Why It’s a Family Favorite
What makes this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken a weeknight staple is its universal appeal. The sauce is rich but not overwhelming, sweet enough for kids, and savory enough for adults. It’s also easy to adapt whether you like it spicier, more garlicky, or even want to add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, especially when you realize how easy it is to keep the ingredients stocked and ready. Got a last minute guest coming over? Throw this in the crock pot in the morning and you’ll have a hot, comforting meal ready by dinnertime no stress required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be mindful of the cooking time. Chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so check them an hour earlier than you would thighs.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
You can use apple juice, white grape juice, or a splash of apple cider vinegar with a touch more brown sugar to mimic the flavor.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely. Sauté the chicken until cooked through, then simmer it in the sauce until it thickens. But keep in mind the slow cooker provides unmatched tenderness.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is more than just a recipe it’s a kitchen hack, a comfort food go to, and a reliable crowd pleaser. Its combination of bold flavor, minimal prep, and family favorite appeal makes it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is a testament to how simple ingredients, when cooked low and slow, can produce something extraordinary.
So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, let your slow cooker do the work and treat yourself to the irresistible taste of Bourbon Chicken. Sweet, savory, saucy, and satisfying it might just become the star of your weekly meal rotation.