Oh my gosh, you have to try this crockpot bourbon chicken recipe! It’s become my absolute go-to when I want something delicious but don’t feel like babysitting the stove. The first time I made it, I was skeptical – bourbon in chicken? But trust me, the alcohol cooks off leaving behind this incredible rich, slightly sweet flavor that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day.
I discovered this recipe last winter when I was sick of making the same old slow cooker meals. One rainy Sunday, I threw everything together before running errands, and came home to what smelled like a fancy restaurant. The chicken was so tender it practically fell apart, and that sticky bourbon glaze? Wow! Now my family requests it weekly. The best part? It takes about 10 minutes of prep – just dump everything in and let the crockpot work its magic.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Listen, I know you’re busy—we all are! That’s why this recipe is my kitchen superhero. Here’s why it’ll become your favorite too:
- Effortless prep: Just chop the chicken, whisk the sauce, and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- Rich, complex flavor: The bourbon caramelizes into this gorgeous sticky-sweet glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Foolproof cooking: Unlike oven dishes that dry out, the slow cooker keeps the chicken juicy and tender every single time.
- Weeknight magic: Comes together with pantry staples—no fancy ingredients needed!
- Better leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day even more delicious.
Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes—easy, impressive, and absolutely addictive. Your future self will thank you when dinner’s ready with zero stress!
Ingredients for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because the magic starts here! This is one of those recipes where simple things come together to create something spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need (and yes, I’ve included all my little tweaks and swaps):
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces (trust me, thighs stay juicier than breasts, but if you must, breasts work too)
- 1/2 cup bourbon – no need for top-shelf here; I usually grab whatever’s in the cabinet (the alcohol cooks off, promise!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – low-sodium if you’re watching salt, but the regular gives that deep umami punch
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – pack it in there nice and tight for that caramel-y goodness
- 2 tbsp honey – this balances the bourbon’s bite; maple syrup works in a pinch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – or 1 tsp pre-minced from the jar (we’re keeping it real)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – powdered ginger works in a 1/4 tsp pinch, but fresh is *chef’s kiss*
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ed if you’re feeling fancy
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional) – only if you want that glossy, thick sauce clinging to every bite
See? Nothing crazy—just pantry staples that transform into something downright magical. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken in Delicious Easy Steps
Okay, friend, here’s where the magic happens! This crockpot bourbon chicken recipe couldn’t be simpler—just three main steps between you and dinner bliss. I’ve made this dozens of times, and let me tell you, the results are always restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. Let’s walk through it together!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first—grab those chicken thighs and chop them into bite-sized pieces. I aim for about 1-inch chunks—big enough to stay juicy but small enough to soak up all that glorious sauce. Pro tip: slightly frozen chicken cuts easier! If you’re using breasts instead of thighs (no judgment here), just watch the cooking time since they dry out faster.
Step 2: Mix the Bourbon Sauce
Now for the star of the show—that incredible bourbon sauce! In a bowl (or right in the measuring cup to save dishes—I won’t tell), whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Don’t rush this part—you want every grain of sugar dissolved so the flavors meld perfectly. The mixture will smell strong at first, but trust me, it mellows into something magical while cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Toss the chicken into your crockpot, pour the sauce over, and give everything a good stir to coat. Here’s your choice: low for 4-5 hours (my favorite for deeper flavor) or high for 2-3 hours if you’re in a hurry. About 30 minutes before serving, if you want that glossy, thick sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in—just let it bubble away uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken. That’s it! Your house will smell like a Southern kitchen heaven.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh-my-goodness-what’s-your-secret” amazing:
- Sauce too thin? If your sauce needs thickening but you’re out of cornstarch, just remove the lid and let it cook on high for 20 minutes—the extra evaporation works wonders.
- Watch the clock: Even with thighs, cooking beyond 5 hours on low can make the chicken mushy. Set a timer if you’re prone to forgetting (like me!).
- Taste and tweak: Before serving, dip a spoon in and adjust flavors—sometimes I add a splash more bourbon or honey depending on my mood.
- Fat is flavor: Don’t trim all the fat from the thighs—those little bits melt into the sauce making it extra luxurious.
Remember—the best recipes aren’t just about following steps, but making them your own!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Now comes the fun part—what to serve with this glorious bourbon chicken! My absolute favorite is steaming white rice—it soaks up that sticky eggplant sauce perfectly. But here’s what else works:
- Fluffy jasmine rice – absorbs all that saucy goodness
- Buttery noodles – egg noodles or ramen for quick weeknights
- Crisp veggies – try broccoli or snap peas for crunch
- Simple salad – balances the rich flavors beautifully
Honestly? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the crockpot with a fork—no shame in my game!
Storing and Reheating Your Bourbon Chicken
Here’s the beautiful thing about this bourbon chicken—it gets even better as leftovers! I always make extra because the flavors deepen overnight. Just let it cool completely before popping it in an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months (though mine never lasts that long).
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, my favorite trick is reheating it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to bring back that glossy sauce. The microwave works too—just stir every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Trust me, this chicken reheats like a dream—just as juicy and flavorful as the first day!
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe FAQs
I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe over the years—here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier, breasts work fine—just reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes to prevent dryness. I like to cut breasts slightly larger than thigh pieces since they shrink more.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Easy fixes! Cut the brown sugar to 2 tbsp and honey to 1 tbsp. You can also add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for balance—my secret trick when I want more tang.
Does all the alcohol cook out?
Yes! After 4+ hours of cooking, the bourbon’s alcohol evaporates, leaving just that rich, caramelized flavor. Even my kids gobble this up (and they’re picky!).
Can I make this bourbon chicken without alcohol?
Sure thing—replace bourbon with equal parts apple juice plus 1 tsp vanilla extract. It won’t be identical, but still delicious!
Why is my sauce watery?
Two fixes: either use the cornstarch slurry, or remove the lid and cook on high for 20 minutes. Some crockpots just run wetter than others—no big deal!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Now, I’m no nutritionist—just a home cook who loves good food—but here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving. Remember, these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary (like how much fat your chicken thighs had or which bourbon brand you used). Per generous serving (about 1 cup chicken with sauce), you’re looking at roughly:
- 350 calories – perfect for a satisfying meal
- 28g protein – thanks to those juicy chicken thighs
- 15g sugar – mostly from the natural honey and brown sugar
- 800mg sodium – use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching this
As always, adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs—cooking should be joyful, not stressful!
Share Your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Experience
Nothing makes me happier than hearing how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Did you add extra garlic? Swap the honey for maple syrup? I want to hear all about it—your twists might inspire my next batch. Happy cooking, friends!
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Irresistible Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe in 3 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and flavorful crockpot bourbon chicken recipe that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Optional: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken it. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing honey and brown sugar.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crockpot bourbon chicken, easy bourbon chicken, slow cooker chicken