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Delicious, saucy bourbon chicken simmers in a crock pot, promising an easy and flavorful weeknight meal.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers a sweet, savory, and slightly boozy dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Slow-cooked chicken thighs are bathed in a rich bourbon sauce, creating a flavorful and tender result served over rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Equipment

  • 6-quart Crock Pot
  • Large skillet (optional)
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving Spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the crock pot, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using), sesame oil (if using), and garlic powder (if using).
  3. Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the crock pot and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir well.
  6. Cook Further: Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For a richer flavor, simmer the bourbon in a saucepan for a few minutes before adding it to the crock pot to burn off some of the alcohol. Chicken thighs are recommended for their moisture retention during slow cooking. Adjust the brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar to achieve your preferred balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. For a spicier kick, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.