Description
Savory Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a cozy, flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce. With bourbon (or apple juice for a family-friendly twist), soy sauce, garlic, and spices, it’s a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. Served over rice and topped with green onions, it’s an effortless comfort food favorite.
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
Instructions
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Prepare Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon (or apple juice), vinegar, ginger, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
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Cook: Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
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Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.
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Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir into sauce in the slow cooker and cook uncovered for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
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Combine & Serve: Return shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat, garnish with green onions, and serve over rice.
Notes
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari.
- Sweeter Flavor: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Crispy Option: Spread shredded chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 3–4 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: chicken
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: : American-Chinese
