Make Irresistible Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken in Just Hours!

Get ready to experience the mouthwatering magic of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! This irresistible dish combines tender chicken, a sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce, and the convenience of slow cooking for a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to share with friends, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Origins of Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken has its roots in Cajun and Creole cuisines, first gaining popularity in the United States in the 1980s. The dish was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it was supposedly created by a Bourbon Street restaurant. Over the years, Bourbon Chicken has become a beloved takeout staple, known for its delectable blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

The beauty of this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is that it captures all the flavor of the original without the hassle of standing over the stove. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the sauce to develop a rich, caramelized complexity. The result is a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a taste of the Big Easy, right from the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken thighs are the perfect choice for this recipe, as they stay moist and tender during the long cooking time.
• ½ cup soy sauce – Soy sauce provides a savory, umami-rich base for the sauce.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar lends a delightful caramelized sweetness to balance the other flavors.
• ¼ cup bourbon – The bourbon adds a warm, complex depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon ketchup – Ketchup helps to thicken the sauce and provides a subtle tomato flavor.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – The vinegar adds a touch of tang to brighten the overall flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory notes in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Ground ginger contributes warmth and a hint of spice.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a little heat, the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce to a delightfully glossy consistency.
• 2 tablespoons water – The water is combined with the cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) – Sliced green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish.
• Cooked rice, for serving – Steamed rice is the perfect base to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Add to Crock Pot

Begin by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this delectable sauce over the chicken and stir to ensure the pieces are evenly coated.

Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become irresistibly tender.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes. This step helps to thicken the sauce to a rich, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Serve

When the sauce has thickened, spoon the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with the sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve and enjoy this takeout-inspired dish in the comfort of your own home!

Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

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

• Choose the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe, as they stay moist and tender throughout the long cooking time. Breasts can sometimes dry out, so thighs are the way to go.
• Adjust the sweetness and spice levels. Feel free to tweak the amounts of brown sugar and red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste preferences. Start with the recipe amounts and then add more of either to balance the flavors to your liking.
• Experiment with cooking times. Cooking times may need to be adjusted depending on the size of your slow cooker and the amount of chicken you’re using. Keep an eye on the chicken and check for tenderness as the cooking time nears its end.
• Store and reheat leftovers properly. Any leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin out the sauce slightly.

Variations on Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

While the classic Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a real showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this versatile dish:

• Alternative Proteins: Swap out the chicken for pork, tofu, or even shrimp for a unique twist on the recipe.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding diced pineapple, mango, or other fruit to the sauce for a tropical flair. You can also experiment with different spices, such as chili powder or smoked paprika, to change up the flavor profile.
• Cooking Methods: For a crispy finish, you can transfer the cooked Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can skip the slow cooker and bake or sauté the dish on the stovetop.
• Related Recipes: If you enjoy this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, you might also like our Honey Garlic Chicken or Teriyaki Chicken recipes, which feature similar sweet and savory flavors.

Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

One serving of this delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken (1/4 of the total recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 375
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 12g

The use of chicken thighs in this recipe provides a good source of lean protein, while the balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a satisfying and comforting meal. As with any dish, it’s important to enjoy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken in moderation as part of a well-rounded, healthy diet.

FAQs About Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

What is bourbon chicken sauce made of?

The bourbon chicken sauce in this recipe is made from a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. This creates a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken.

Can you put raw chicken straight into a slow cooker?

Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken directly into the slow cooker for this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe. The long, gentle cooking time will ensure the chicken is cooked through and incredibly tender.

How do you cook honey bourbon chicken in a slow cooker?

To cook honey bourbon chicken in a slow cooker, simply follow the same steps as the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe. The main difference would be to substitute honey for the brown sugar in the sauce. The honey will provide a delightful sweetness that complements the bourbon flavor.

Should chicken be covered with liquid in a crock pot?

For this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe, the chicken does not need to be completely submerged in liquid. The sauce ingredients provide enough moisture to keep the chicken moist and tender as it cooks. As long as the chicken is coated in the sauce, it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering, slow-cooked dish that brings the flavor of a takeout favorite right to your own kitchen. With its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and slightly boozy notes, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a new family staple. So, grab your slow cooker, gather the simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate in comforting, homemade deliciousness.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
• BBQ Chicken and Potatoes
• Huli Huli Chicken

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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