Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that brings together tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. The sauce has just the right amount of flavor from soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, making it sticky and perfect for coating every bite. This slow cooker recipe makes your kitchen smell amazing and fills your house with warmth.
I love how simple this recipe is because you can just throw everything in the crock pot and let it cook slowly while you get on with your day. It’s one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. The chicken comes out so juicy and flavorful, and the sauce thickens perfectly if you stir it near the end of cooking.
My favorite way to eat Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is over a bed of fluffy white rice with steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. It’s easy to make a full meal in one go, and everyone in my family always asks for seconds. If you have any leftover sauce, save it to drizzle over veggies or even biscuits for an extra tasty touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Either boneless breasts or thighs work well. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner. If you prefer, turkey breast chunks can be a good substitute.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is best to control saltiness, but regular soy sauce works too. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Bourbon Whiskey: Adds a rich flavor, but if you want to skip alcohol, apple juice or peach nectar are nice alternatives.
Brown Sugar & Ketchup: They bring sweetness and depth to the sauce. You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. For ketchup, tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar is an option.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Garlic: These give a little tang and savory punch. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work if needed.
How Do I Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy in a Slow Cooker?
Because crock pots cook with moisture, sauces can be thin. Here’s how to thicken perfectly:
- Mix cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry. This helps avoid lumps.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the crock pot.
- Turn the heat to high and cook uncovered if you can, to help the sauce thicken faster.
- Give it a good stir every 10 minutes to see the consistency change.
This method ensures the sauce coats the chicken nicely without needing extra time on the stove.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot (slow cooker) – This is essential for cooking the chicken slowly and making it tender without much effort.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for whisking together the sauce ingredients before adding to the crock pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the sauce ingredients just right every time.
- Whisk or fork – Helps mix the sauce smoothly and dissolve the sugar well.
- Small bowl – For mixing the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce before finishing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juicy, flavorful meat.
- Add sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the crock pot for a bit of sweetness and extra texture.
- Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
- Swap bourbon for whiskey or skip the alcohol, adding extra apple cider vinegar or a splash of orange juice instead for tang.
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions or scallions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crock pot recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and assemble. Then, allow 4-6 hours cooking on low or 2-3 hours on high. Adding the cornstarch slurry and thickening the sauce will take an extra 30 minutes at the end. Overall, plan about 5 to 6 hours total for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the crock pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, water, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the crock pot to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Thicken the Sauce and Finish:
About 30 minutes before serving, combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for the remaining time, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Spoon the tender bourbon chicken over cooked white rice. Sprinkle chopped green onions or scallions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the crock pot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing to ensure even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the bourbon, substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice, peach nectar, or extra water mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar. This keeps the flavor balanced without the alcohol.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, pineapple chunks, or sliced onions make great additions. Add them to the crock pot along with the chicken and sauce at the beginning for a tasty twist and extra nutrition.
