Can a slow cooker really deliver the bold, sticky-sweet magic of your favorite food court classic? With this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re using actual bourbon or keeping it kid-friendly with apple juice, this dish packs intense flavor with effortless prep. The rich umami from soy sauce, balanced by brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, simmers into juicy perfection—all while you go about your day. Within the first 100 words, you’ll know why this dish has become a slow-cooker favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice as non-alcoholic sub)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry to thicken)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken & Sauce
- Place chicken thighs or breasts into your crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
Step 2: Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
- Remove chicken and shred or cube it as desired.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Return chicken to pot and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes until sauce is thick and glossy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
- Serve hot over white rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies.
Variations
- Swap bourbon for whiskey, rum, or apple cider depending on your preference.
- Add bell peppers, onions, or snap peas during the last hour for extra veggies.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweet note.
- Serve over mashed sweet potatoes for a Southern-inspired twist.
Cooking Note
- Thighs are more forgiving and juicier, but breasts work too with close monitoring.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered at the end to intensify its stickiness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice, or spooned onto a bed of stir-fried vegetables. For a fun presentation, try it in lettuce cups with a side of crunchy slaw. Add a drizzle of the thickened sauce over the top for extra punch and visual appeal.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This dish reheats well in the microwave or stovetop. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely and freeze in individual portions with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: Approx. 400
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 950mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To lighten up this recipe, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the brown sugar by half. Replace some soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free, less salty version. Add steamed broccoli, zucchini, or spinach for extra fiber and volume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking too long—especially with chicken breasts—can lead to dryness.
- Forgetting to thicken the sauce—without the slurry, the sauce won’t have that signature glaze.
- Not stirring the slurry separately—it can clump if added directly without mixing first.
- Overpowering with alcohol—bourbon is strong, so measure carefully or opt for apple juice.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving bold takeout-style flavor or a family-friendly dinner, Crockpot Bourbon Chicken delivers on all fronts. Sweet, sticky, and satisfying, it’s a no-fuss way to bring a comfort food classic into your home. Give it a try tonight—and don’t forget to garnish like a pro!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this with frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but add 1 extra hour of cooking time and ensure the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Q2: Does the alcohol cook off?
A: Most of it evaporates during cooking, but if you’re concerned, use apple juice for the same effect.
Q3: Can I meal prep this?
A: Absolutely. Make the sauce and portion everything into freezer bags for a ready-to-go dump meal.
Q4: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A: Yes—simmer all ingredients on medium-low for 25–30 minutes, then thicken with slurry at the end.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicke
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken made simple – bold, sticky, and savory slow-cooked goodness with or without alcohol!
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice as non-alcoholic sub)
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp ground ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry to thicken)
Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
1. Place chicken into crockpot. Mix soy sauce, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper.
2. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
3. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hrs or HIGH for 2–3 hrs until tender.
4. Remove chicken, shred or cube it. Mix slurry and stir into sauce.
5. Return chicken, cook uncovered 20–30 mins to thicken.
6. Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve over rice.
Notes
Use apple juice instead of bourbon for a family-friendly version.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour.
Let sauce simmer uncovered for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg