If you’re craving a dish that delivers the ultimate trifecta of sweet, savory, and just a hint of heat, look no further than this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe. This cozy classic rivals your favorite takeout, but with the added bonus of rich bourbon notes, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It tucks tender chicken thighs into a glossy, caramelized sauce, making it perfect for fuss-free weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Every bite is an invitation to comfort and flavor—the kind of meal that always makes everyone ask for seconds.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element plays its part in developing layers of flavor, bringing a satisfying balance of sweet, salty, umami, and spice, while contributing vivid color and aroma.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These deliver maximum juiciness and tenderness, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bourbon and soy sauce.
Soy Sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce – essential for depth of flavor.
Bourbon Whiskey: Just the right splash brings subtle smokiness and warmth; don’t worry, the alcohol cooks away!
Apple Cider Vinegar: A little acidity balances the rich, sweet flavors and brightens the dish.
Ground Ginger: Brings gentle heat and a hint of fragrance for that classic bourbon chicken taste.
Honey: Adds a layer of floral sweetness and helps the sauce gloss up beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes: For just a touch of heat—adjust to your spice preference.
Garlic (minced): No need to skimp! It infuses the sauce with irresistible depth and aroma.
Cornstarch: Whisked with water to create a slurry, this thickens the sauce to luscious perfection.
Water: Pairs with cornstarch for a lump-free, silky sauce.
Chopped Green Onions: The ultimate fresh garnish, adding vivid color and a gentle bite.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken thighs, then nestle them in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This way, every piece has the chance to soak up all that fabulous sauce as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and freshly minced garlic. This fragrant, sticky-sweet sauce will be the star of the show, coating every morsel of chicken with layers of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Slow Cook

Pour the whisked sauce right over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure each piece is well-coated. Secure the lid, set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 hours if you want to come home to dinner ready), and let the magic happen—minimal effort for maximum payoff.

Step 4: Chop or Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, lift it from the sauce and transfer to a cutting board. Chop it into bite-sized pieces or gently shred with two forks, depending on your texture preference. This step is perfect for getting that classic takeout-style look.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Whisk this into the sauce left in the crock pot; within 5 to 10 minutes on high, the sauce will thicken up into a glossy, irresistible glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the chopped or shredded chicken to the slow cooker, fold it gently into the thickened sauce, and let it cook a few more minutes to soak up every drop. Turn off the heat and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Classic chopped green onions highlight the dish’s sweetness and add a welcome crunch, but you could also try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few slivers of fresh chili for even more pop.

Side Dishes

For the ultimate comfort meal, serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe steaming hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. A side of steamed veggies, like broccoli or snap peas, adds crunch and color that balances the richness of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the basics and tuck the chicken into lettuce wraps for a party appetizer, spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a cozy fall meal, or wrap it in tortillas with shredded cabbage for unforgettable Bourbon Chicken tacos. Your leftovers will never be boring again!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe tasting its best, cool any leftovers quickly and pack them into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—just enough time for the sauce to meld and develop even tastier notes.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, lay flat for easy storage, and you’ll have a quick, homemade dinner ready to go for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a covered saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. A splash of water or broth helps loosen any thick sauce. In a pinch, the microwave works too—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each round.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be swapped in, though keep in mind they’re a bit leaner and may not turn out quite as tender as thighs—just be careful not to overcook them, and the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe will still be delicious.

Is there an alcohol-free version?

If you’d rather skip the bourbon, simply replace it with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth. You’ll still capture that sweet and tangy vibe, making it perfect for family-friendly gatherings.

How spicy is the dish?

The heat from the red pepper flakes is pretty mild and adds just a subtle warmth. Like it spicier? Go ahead and double the flakes! For less heat, omit them altogether and you’ll have a purely sweet-savory sauce.

Can I prep Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe the night before?

Definitely! Mix the sauce ingredients and marinate the chicken right in the crock pot insert overnight in the fridge. In the morning, set it into the slow cooker base and let it cook while you go about your day—so easy!

Should I remove the skin or leave it on the chicken?

This recipe really shines with boneless, skinless chicken thighs because the sauce clings nicely and the meat stays juicy. Leaving the skin on can make the finished dish greasy, so it’s best to trim it off for the ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug, then don’t miss out on making this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe. Its effortless preparation, comforting flavors, and endless serving possibilities make it a true staple—one bite and you’ll see why it always earns a spot in the dinner rotation!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the kick of bourbon whiskey. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a savory sauce, resulting in a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies.

Instructions

Add the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Pour over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until chicken is tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred or chop, and set aside.
Thicken the Sauce: Make a slurry with cornstarch and water, add to the sauce, then return the chicken to the slow cooker.
Finish: Let it cook for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to suit your taste.
For a thicker sauce, cook longer after adding the slurry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 1650mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, Bourbon Chicken Recipe, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe