If you’re in search of a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that fills your home with the sweet and savory flavors of bourbon, then you’re in the right place. The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich sauce that captivates the taste buds. This dish not only simplifies meal preparation but also makes a perfect family dinner or gathering centerpiece. With the addition of side dishes like rice and vegetables, you can create a wholesome meal that everyone will love.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
The beauty of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its incredible convenience. Cooking in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while it develops rich flavors. The unique combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a delightful glaze that enhances the chicken, resulting in a dish that’s both sweet and savory. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it hard to resist. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—be it a weekly family meal or a weekend gathering with friends.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
To make this mouthwatering Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, gather the following simple ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe Directions
Preparing this delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a breeze. You can start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, though this step is optional. If you choose to sear the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are lightly browned, this adds an extra layer of flavor.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. This creates a delectable sauce that will beautifully flavor the chicken.
Next, place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure to pour your prepared bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece is fully submerged. This will guarantee that the chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
Now it’s time to cook! Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You can choose to cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken is done when it is fully cooked and tender.
Once the cooking time is up, take the chicken out of the slow cooker and set it aside. To thicken the sauce, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add this mixture into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker and stir well. Re-cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This will yield a luscious, thick sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
After the sauce is thickened, you can either shred the chicken or leave it whole based on your preference. Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and stir it to coat evenly.
How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Serving your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is simple, yet visually appealing. Begin by preparing a bed of fluffy, cooked rice to serve as the perfect base for your flavorful chicken. Place the bourbon chicken on top of the rice, allowing the sauce to drench the grains below, making each bite delicious.
To elevate the visual appeal of your dish, garnish it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a layer of texture that complements the soft chicken and rice. Your dish is now ready for family and friends to enjoy!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
To make your experience with the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe even better, here are a few expert tips:
- Chicken Choices: While the recipe suggests thighs, you can use chicken breasts as a leaner option. Just be aware that the breasts may not be as juicy as thighs.
- Bourbon Alternatives: If bourbon isn’t your drink of choice or if you’re cooking for kids, try using apple juice as a non-alcoholic alternative. This will provide a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.
- Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker during cooking. They will absorb the sauce flavors and add nutrition.
- Adjust Sweetness: Certain preferences may call for more or less sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to match your taste.
How to Store Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Storing any leftovers from your flavorful Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is simple. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and your dish can last up to 3 to 4 days. For longer freshness, consider freezing it for future meals. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Variation of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
The beauty of the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some creative variations to spice things up:
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Tangy: Substitute pineapple juice for part of the chicken broth to give it a tropical twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the protein you choose.
- Different Cooking Methods: If you’re short on time, consider using an Instant Pot. You can cook your bourbon chicken in a fraction of the time while still achieving that wonderful flavor.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
The best way to cook Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is to place your seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over, and let it cook low and slow for a few hours to maximize flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts; however, thighs are recommended for their juiciness. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.
How can I thicken the sauce for the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce in the slow cooker. Let it cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Can I prepare this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce the night before and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, simply add the chicken and cook it during the day.
What sides go well with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, steamed vegetables, or even a simple salad. Consider adding a side of sautéed greens or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are juicier than breasts.
- 0.5 cup bourbon whiskey Use apple juice as a non-alcoholic alternative.
- 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 0.5 cup brown sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup chicken broth Can add more for reheating.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for added heat.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water To create a slurry.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Optional, for browning the chicken.
- to taste cooked rice For serving.
- to taste chopped green onions For garnish.
- to taste sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the prepared bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add it to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Re-cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Serving
- Serve the bourbon chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, allowing the sauce to drench the rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
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