Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With tender chunks of chicken simmered in a rich sauce made with bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic, this slow cooker recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)bourbonsoy saucebrown sugarketchupapple cider vinegargarlic (minced)ginger (fresh or ground)red pepper flakescornstarchwatergreen onions (for garnish)

directions

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the crockpot.

In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the crockpot.

Continue cooking uncovered for the remaining time to allow the sauce to thicken.

Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)Total time: 6.5-7.5 hours

Variations

Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.

Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

Swap bourbon for apple juice if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Add bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour for extra vegetables.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay more tender in the slow cooker.

Is the alcohol cooked off?

Yes, most of the alcohol evaporates during the long cooking process.

Can I make this without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.

Does the sauce thicken well?

Yes, the cornstarch slurry added at the end creates a glossy, thick sauce.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables are excellent choices.

Can I cook it overnight?

Yes, use the low setting and refrigerate in the morning.

Can I use frozen chicken?

For food safety, thaw chicken before placing it in the crockpot.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, both the cooked dish and the raw ingredients can be frozen for future meals.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just make sure your crockpot can accommodate the volume.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-style meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe brings comforting, sticky-sweet satisfaction with every bite.

Print