the best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and savory—this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe the whole family will love! Perfect served over rice, this dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a rich bourbon-infused sauce for a flavor-packed dinner that’s effortlessly made in your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Minimal Prep: Just a few minutes of mixing and chopping.

✅ Slow Cooker Simplicity: Let the crock pot do all the work.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
✅ Better Than Takeout: Tastes like a food court favorite but homemade and healthier.

What Is Bourbon Chicken?

Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, this dish is a fusion of American Southern and Chinese flavors. It features tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and slightly spicy bourbon-based sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup soy sauce
⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp red pepper flakes

4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions:

Use apple juice in place of bourbon for an alcohol-free version.

Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs—just cut into chunks or shred after cooking.

Add a spoonful of ketchup to boost tang and richness.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Place trimmed chicken thighs into the bottom of your crock pot.

Step 2:
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic.

Step 3:
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on:

High for 4 hours
Low for 6 hours

Step 4:
Once cooked, remove chicken and roughly chop (or shred).

Step 5:
In a small bowl, stir cornstarch and water until dissolved. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step 6:
Return chicken to the pot, stir, and let simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7:
Garnish with green onions and serve hot over white rice.

Serving Suggestions

Best served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Try it in a rice bowl, lettuce wrap, or over noodles for variety.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Helpful Tips

For extra thickness, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Prefer a spicy kick? Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha.

Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control salt levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! The crock pot brings raw chicken to a safe internal temperature during the cooking process.

Does the bourbon retain alcohol?
Most of the alcohol cooks off during slow cooking, leaving only the rich, smoky flavor behind.

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before adding to the slow cooker to ensure safe, even cooking.

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Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a go-to slow cooker recipe that delivers every time. Sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy, it’s everything you want in a weeknight meal. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for that takeout-style finish!

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