This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the kind of fuss-free comfort food that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your tastebuds sing! Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet, savory, and just slightly boozy bourbon sauce—it’s the ultimate family-friendly dinner that’s as easy as “set and forget.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set & Forget Simplicity: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and come home to a hearty, flavorful dinner with almost zero effort!
- Sticky-Sweet Bourbon Sauce: That glossy, rich sauce clings to every bite—delivering the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a hint of depth from the bourbon.
- Family Friendly—With or Without Bourbon: The alcohol cooks off, but you can sub in apple juice or broth to fit every household’s preferences.
- Perfect Leftovers (If You Have Any!): This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken reheats beautifully—making weekday lunches feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is refreshingly short, but each component is essential for nailing that classic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s what makes this dish a constant repeat in my kitchen:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender through slow cooking and soak up all that luscious sauce.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Simple seasoning lets every other flavor shine—don’t skip this step!
- Bourbon (or whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth): Bourbon adds a trace of mellow warmth and depth, while apple juice or broth keeps it alcohol-free.
- Brown sugar: The must-have for that sticky-sweet glaze and beautiful caramelization.
- Soy sauce: For umami, salt, and that perfect balance with the sugar. Go for low-sodium if you like a lighter touch.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives just the right backbone of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cornstarch + Cold Water: This last-minute slurry thickens the sauce into something you could practically eat with a spoon!
Variations
Part of the joy of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand, your tastebuds, or special dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite spins when I want to mix things up:
- Make It Spicy: Stir in a teaspoon (or two!) of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a gentle kick that balances the sweet sauce.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep everyone happy around the table.
- Bourbon-Free Kiddo Version: Substitute apple juice or chicken broth for the bourbon—no one will suspect a thing!
How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken
Give your chicken thighs a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides—this simple step wakes up all the flavors in the dish. Arranging them in an even layer at the bottom of your crockpot gives every piece plenty of contact with the sauce to come.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Bourbon Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon (or your swap of choice), brown sugar, soy sauce, and freshly minced garlic. This aromatic mixture is the magic that slowly infuses the chicken as it cooks—pour it right over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for about 4 hours, or high for 3 hours if you’re in a hurry. Your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken will gently bubble away, turning ultra-tender with every passing minute. Your home will smell incredible!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth, then stir that slurry into the bubbling sauce. This is how you get the glossy, restaurant-style glaze that coats the chicken so perfectly!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Give everything a good stir, then spoon that saucy chicken over a bowl of fluffy white rice (or your favorite base). Scatter with chopped green onions if you like—a finishing touch that brightens every bite. That’s it—the easiest, tastiest Crockpot Bourbon Chicken you’ll ever try!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Dark Meat Delight: Chicken thighs hold up better than breasts during slow cooking—trust me, you want that rich, juicy texture!
- The Secret Slurry: Always mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding; this keeps the sauce velvety and lump-free.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge; then just add chicken and go in the morning.
- Sauce to Taste: If you want even more sauce (to spoon over rice or veggies), double all sauce ingredients and thicken as directed.
How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Garnishes
A scattering of thinly sliced green onions adds vibrant color and a gentle bite to your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. For extra crunch, try toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—both elevate the dish with very little effort.
Side Dishes
This chicken cries out for rice—the sticky-sweet sauce is just begging to be soaked up! Jasmine or basmati rice are my go-tos, but cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli make excellent low-carb swaps. If you’re serving a crowd, consider an easy Asian-style slaw or simple roasted veggies to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile Crockpot Bourbon Chicken into lettuce cups or stuff it into steamed bao buns—perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes. If you love meal prepping, pack portions with rice and blanched veggies for colorful, ready-to-go bowls throughout the week!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and stash it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners on busy nights.
Freezing
This recipe is a freezer hero! Let everything cool completely, then portion Crockpot Bourbon Chicken into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months and makes spontaneous “takeout” meals a total breeze.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed—the flavors just get better with time!
FAQs
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Does the alcohol cook out of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Yes—because this dish cooks for several hours, nearly all the alcohol in the bourbon will evaporate, leaving only that mellow flavor behind. If you prefer zero alcohol, you can absolutely substitute apple juice or chicken broth with delicious results.
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs are much more forgiving and result in juicier, more flavorful meat. If you’re set on using breasts, just be careful not to overcook—they’ll dry out faster than thighs in the slow cooker.
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Is Crockpot Bourbon Chicken very spicy?
Nope! The base recipe is sweet and savory, not spicy at all. If you love heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a diced chili to the sauce.
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Can I make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken ahead?
Absolutely. You can assemble everything in your slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate (just keep the cornstarch slurry separate), then place the insert in the base and cook the next day. It reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for meal prep too!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s pure comfort but still effortless, you truly can’t beat Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. It’s guaranteed to fill your home with cozy aromas and your table with happy faces—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new weeknight favorite!
Print
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delectable and easy-to-make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe that is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce, served over rice for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and place them in the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water, then add to the crockpot 30 minutes before finished cooking.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken over rice, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce according to your preference.
- For a thicker sauce, cook on high without the lid for the last 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 1170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
