Name: Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: : American-Chinese
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; For the Sauce:; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey (or apple juice for non-alcoholic); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated); 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cloves garlic, minced; For Thickening:; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; For Garnish & Serving:; 1 bunch green onions, chopped; Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich sauce of bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and spices, this dish is sweet, savory, and just a little tangy. Served over rice and topped with fresh green onions, it’s a hearty, no-fuss meal the whole family will love.

Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work, making dinner easy.
Rich, Balanced Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy with a hint of spice.
Tender and Juicy Chicken: Cooking low and slow keeps chicken moist and flavorful.
Flexible Recipe: Can be made with bourbon or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Pairs wonderfully with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Sauce
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup bourbon whiskey (or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated)
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced

For Thickening
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

For Garnish & Serving
1 bunch chopped green onions
Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice

Directions

Prepare Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), vinegar, ginger, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Cook: Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir slurry into sauce in the Crock Pot. Cook uncovered for 5–10 minutes, stirring until thickened.
Combine & Serve: Return shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat, garnish with green onions, and serve over rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Sweeter Flavor: Swap honey with maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
Crispy Option: Broil shredded chicken for a few minutes before serving to crisp edges.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Breasts may be slightly drier.

Do I have to use bourbon?

No, apple juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer chicken and sauce in a large pot for about 30–40 minutes, then shred.

What kind of rice goes best with this?

White rice is classic, but brown rice or cauliflower rice also work well.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sauce and chicken in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and cook the next day.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

It should coat the back of a spoon after adding the cornstarch slurry.

Can I add more vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, but add quick-cooking vegetables (like bell peppers) in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger slow cooker and adjust cooking time slightly.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if made with apple juice instead of bourbon and less red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is an easy, tender, and flavorful meal that turns simple ingredients into a comforting dinner. With its sweet-savory sauce, fall-apart chicken, and easy slow cooker method, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Serve it over rice, garnish with green onions, and enjoy a satisfying, homemade favorite.