This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect blend of tender chicken cooked low and slow in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. With the richness of brown sugar, a splash of bourbon, soy sauce, and a little garlic, the chicken comes out flavorful and juicy every time. The slow cooker makes it super easy to prepare and keeps everything moist and delicious.
I love making this dish when I want something tasty but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. You just put all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it do the work while you go about your day. The sauce thickens perfectly by the end, and the chicken soaks up all those yummy flavors. It’s also great because you don’t need fancy ingredients — everything is straightforward and easy to find.
My favorite way to serve this bourbon chicken is over a bed of fluffy white rice with steamed veggies on the side. The rice soaks up the sweet sauce, making each bite a little burst of comfort. It’s always a hit with family and friends, and I find myself making it again and again because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try when you want something simple, satisfying, and full of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender in the crock pot. You can use chicken breasts if you want a leaner option, but watch the cooking time to avoid drying out.
Bourbon Whiskey: This adds the authentic flavor and warmth. If you want to skip alcohol, try apple juice or peach nectar as a substitute — it won’t be the same, but it keeps the sweetness and depth.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium works best to avoid overpowering saltiness. For gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos are great swaps and won’t change the flavor much.
Brown Sugar: This balances the sauce with sweetness. You can use honey or maple syrup as natural alternatives if you prefer.
Garlic & Ginger: These give an aromatic, slightly spicy base. Fresh is best, but powders work in a pinch. Ginger is optional but adds nice warmth.
How Do You Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy Without Drying Out the Chicken?
The secret is adding the cornstarch slurry at the end of slow cooking. Here’s the best way:
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a smooth paste.
- Stir it into the crock pot sauce 30 minutes before serving.
- Switch the crock pot to high and let the sauce thicken slowly without cooking the chicken more than needed.
This method gives you a shiny sauce that’s thick enough to coat the chicken and rice well. Avoid adding cornstarch at the start, or the sauce will end up too thick and the chicken might dry out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – the star of this recipe, it gently cooks the chicken for tender results while you relax.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce ingredients just right for balanced flavor.
- Small bowl – to mix the cornstarch and water slurry that thickens the sauce at the end.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – perfect for stirring without scratching the crock pot insert.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless pork shoulder cut into chunks for a different but equally tender meat option.
- Add diced bell peppers and sliced onions into the crock pot for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness and a slightly lighter sauce.
- Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to add warmth and a mild smoky kick.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for slight heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2-3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 4-5 hours to cook on low (or 2-3 hours on high) in the crock pot. Plus, you’ll need an extra 20-30 minutes near the end to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry. Perfect for setting it up and letting it cook while you relax or do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In your crock pot, combine the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Stir everything well until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces into the crock pot and toss them gently in the sauce so they’re well-coated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot, cover again, and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Give the sauce a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then serve the bourbon chicken over freshly cooked white rice and sprinkle with the sliced green onions for a fresh, bright finish.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crock pot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed things up. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and food safety concerns.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just reheat in the crock pot or on the stove, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute Bourbon?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute bourbon with apple juice or peach nectar. While the flavor won’t be quite the same, these options will keep the sweet, rich character of the dish.
