Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
This easy slow cooker Bourbon Chicken recipe features sticky, sweet, and savory chicken with a delicious homemade sauce that cooks itself, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs Breasts can be used, but monitor cooking time.
- ½ cup Soy sauce (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup Brown sugar Can use light or dark.
- ¼ cup Ketchup Adds tang to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar Adds brightness to the flavor.
- ⅓ cup Bourbon Can be replaced with apple juice or chicken broth + vanilla extract for alcohol-free.
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced) Generous amount for flavor.
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated) Ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
- ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes Optional for added heat.
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
- 2 tbsp Water To mix with cornstarch.
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tbsp Green onions (sliced) Adds a fresh touch.
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds For extra crunch and flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Optional: brown the chicken in a hot pan for a couple of minutes per side for extra flavor.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and flip it to ensure the chicken is coated.
Cooking
- Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
- When the chicken is tender, remove it and either slice or shred it with two forks.
- To thicken the sauce, whisk cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker, adding the chicken back in. Cover and cook for another 15 to 25 minutes until glossy and thick.
Notes
For alcohol-free version, replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth plus vanilla. Adjust sweetness and seasoning to taste. Meal prep: Keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat with water to loosen texture.