CROCK POT BOURBON CHICKEN IRRESISTIBLE

Imagine the sweet, savory, and slightly boozy aroma of bourbon chicken wafting through your kitchen, a symphony of flavors that promises a truly unforgettable meal. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers exactly that – tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious bourbon-infused sauce that’s ridiculously easy to make. Get ready to say goodbye to takeout and hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner!

The Only Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Hey there, friend! I’m so excited you’re here because we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that ends with the most mouthwatering Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer. I know, I know, everyone claims their recipe is the “best,” but trust me on this one. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also ridiculously easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. I get it, life is hectic! That’s why I’m all about finding ways to make delicious, home-cooked meals without sacrificing my sanity. And that’s exactly what this recipe does. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal, which means you can throw everything into your crock pot in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a warm, comforting, and totally irresistible dinner. But before we dive in, let’s talk a little bit about what makes this particular recipe so special. We’re talking perfectly balanced flavors, tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth, and a sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the crock pot clean (no judgment here!). ## Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor This is where the magic begins! Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – most of these are pantry staples. And trust me, each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bourbon chicken experience.

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1/2 cup bourbon (I recommend using a good quality bourbon, but nothing too fancy)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For Serving (Optional):

• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy Peasy! Okay, now for the fun part! Here’s where we turn those humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step, so you can’t possibly mess it up.

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional, But Recommended):

   While this step is optional, I highly recommend it for added flavor and texture. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through, just get a nice sear. This step helps to lock in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful color.

2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.

3. Add Chicken to the Crock Pot:

   Place the seared chicken (or unseared, if you skipped that step) into your crock pot.

4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken:

   Pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated evenly.

5. Cook on Low or High:

   Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

   Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over cooked white rice or brown rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. And most importantly, ENJOY!

## Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Bourbon Chicken Ever Alright, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some insider secrets that will take your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken to the next level. These are the little things I’ve learned over the years that make a BIG difference in the final result.

• Don’t Skimp on the Bourbon: I know it might be tempting to use the cheapest bourbon you can find, but trust me, the quality of the bourbon will impact the flavor of the dish. You don’t need to break the bank, but a decent bourbon will make a noticeable difference.
• Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. Or, if you like it extra sweet, feel free to add a little more!
• Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t be afraid to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Chicken Thighs are Key: While you *can* use chicken breasts for this recipe, I highly recommend using chicken thighs. They are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during the long cooking process.
• Shredded Chicken Option: For a different texture, you can shred the chicken with two forks after it’s cooked and then stir it back into the sauce. This is a great option if you’re serving the bourbon chicken in sandwiches or sliders.
• Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can make the bourbon chicken on the weekend and then reheat it during the week for a quick and easy dinner. It actually tastes even better the next day!
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of the cooking time. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so you want to make sure it’s cooked through but still tender.

## What to Serve with Your Amazing Bourbon Chicken Now that you’ve got your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken ready to go, let’s talk about some delicious side dishes that will complete the meal.

• Rice: As I mentioned earlier, white rice or brown rice is a classic pairing with bourbon chicken.
• Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side dish that provides a nice contrast to the richness of the bourbon chicken.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: A refreshing salad with ingredients like shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These are always a crowd-pleaser and pair perfectly with the Asian-inspired flavors of the bourbon chicken.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A quick and easy way to add some extra veggies to your meal.

## Other Delicious Crock Pot Chicken Recipes to Try If you’re a fan of easy and delicious crock pot chicken recipes, then you’re in the right place! Here are a few of my other favorites that I think you’ll love:

• Bbq Pulled Chicken Crockpot: Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even loaded baked potatoes!
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes: A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
• Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken: A bright and zesty chicken dish that’s perfect for spring or summer.
• Crockpot General Tso’s Chicken: Skip the takeout and make your own delicious and easy General Tso’s Chicken at home!
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: A sweet and savory chicken dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) I know you might have some questions about this recipe, so I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you out.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
• Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist. If using chicken breasts, be sure to check them for doneness frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
• Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with chicken broth or apple juice. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
• Can I freeze this recipe?
• Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the bourbon chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• How do I store leftovers?
• Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

## Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Cook! So there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I know you’re going to love it! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. And who knows, it might just become your new go-to recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so don’t be afraid to try new things. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking, my friend! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m always here to help.