Introduction

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy bourbon-inspired sauce, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon minced ginger
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, the cornstarch slurry, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the sauce before cooking (optional and only if consuming alcohol).
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables to make a complete meal.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and result in uneven texture.

Is bourbon essential in this recipe?

This recipe creates a bourbon-flavored sauce without using actual bourbon, so no alcohol is required. You can add a splash of bourbon for authentic flavor if desired, but it’s optional.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 58 reviews

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a sweet and savory bourbon-inspired sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free meal, this dish combines the richness of brown sugar and soy sauce with a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Ideal for slow cooking enthusiasts, it yields juicy shredded chicken garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a delightful finish.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Instructions

Make the slurry and sauce: Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, the cornstarch slurry, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Prepare the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
Add the sauce: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated well with the sauce.
Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
Shred and mix: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well into the bourbon sauce to absorb all the flavors.
Serve and garnish: Spoon the bourbon chicken onto plates or bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
The red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted depending on your heat preference.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For thicker sauce, remove the chicken after shredding and simmer the sauce on high in the slow cooker for 15 minutes before mixing back in the chicken.

Keywords: bourbon chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, shredded chicken, sweet and savory chicken, crockpot dinner