Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of kick—this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this meal impresses with its robust flavors and tender chicken. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich sauce that elevates any dining experience. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Delight: The bourbon-infused sauce offers a unique twist that makes this dish unforgettable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, in wraps, or as a filling for sandwiches.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with minimal effort.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome chicken and balanced by rich flavors without heavy cream.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while ensuring tender chicken through slow braising.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for prepping chicken and chopping garnishes like green onions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken:

For the Chicken

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

For the Sauce

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Thickening the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Step 1: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover your slow cooker:
– Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred or Chop the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
2. Chop or shred it according to your texture preference.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
2. Stir this slurry into the sauce in your slow cooker.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Sauce

Add back the chopped chicken:
– Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Turn off heat:
– Garnish with chopped green onions before serving over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice as a low-carb option.

Enjoy your delicious feast!

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

This delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The rich flavors and tender chicken make it versatile for various serving options.

Over Rice

• White Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the sauce well, providing a comforting base.
• Brown Rice: Offers a nuttier flavor and extra fiber for a healthier twist.
• Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb option that keeps the meal light yet satisfying.

In Tacos

• Soft Tortillas: Use warm tortillas to wrap the chicken, adding fresh toppings like cilantro and lime.
• Crunchy Taco Shells: For a fun twist, fill crunchy shells with Bourbon Chicken and top with shredded lettuce and cheese.

As Sliders

• Mini Buns: Serve the shredded chicken on small buns for tasty sliders at parties or game days.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a healthier alternative, use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with bourbon chicken.

With Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Pair with steamed broccoli for a nutritious side that complements the dish’s flavors.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges add great texture and taste alongside the chicken.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

To ensure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will yield the best results in tenderness and flavor.
• Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly to suit your taste.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours ensures perfectly cooked chicken; avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
• Thicken Sauce Appropriately: Make sure to stir in the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
• Garnish Right Before Serving: Add chopped green onions just before serving for freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Complement your flavorful Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Fried Rice: A savory blend of rice, vegetables, and eggs makes an excellent pairing with bourbon chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich contrast to the tangy sauce.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the dish nicely.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn brings summer vibes and sweetness that harmonizes with bourbon flavors.
5. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables makes for a healthy side that’s both filling and nutritious.
6. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in butter add brightness alongside this hearty main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the trimming step: Leaving excess fat on the chicken can lead to a greasy dish. Always trim your chicken thighs before cooking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of a key ingredient can alter the flavor balance. Use precise measurements for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can make the chicken dry. Keep an eye on cooking times and check for tenderness.
• Neglecting to whisk the sauce well: If you don’t mix the sauce thoroughly, it may not blend properly with the chicken. Make sure to whisk until smooth before pouring it over the meat.
• Ignoring garnishes: Skipping garnishes can make your dish look less appealing. Always remember to add fresh herbs or green onions for that beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Ensure that the chicken has cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil, reheating for about 20 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until evenly heated.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this delicious recipe:

How spicy is the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe?

The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. You can adjust it based on your preference.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be aware that chicken breasts may dry out faster than thighs due to their lower fat content. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What should I serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it over rice or paired with veggies, this comforting meal will surely become a favorite in your household!