Easy Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This crockpot bourbon chicken recipe takes the famous mall food court classic and makes it even better at home — with a rich, sticky, sweet and savory sauce that practically makes itself in your slow cooker. The bourbon adds incredible depth of flavor, the brown sugar creates a gorgeous glaze, and the chicken comes out fall-apart tender every single time. Best of all, it takes just 10 minutes of prep!

Cuisine: New Orleans
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Why You’ll Love Making It

• • Set it and forget it — your slow cooker does all the work
  • Better than takeout — rich, sticky, restaurant-quality sauce at home
  • Family friendly — the alcohol cooks off completely during cooking
  • Ready in 4 hours on low — perfect for busy weeknights
  • Only 8 ingredients — simple pantry staples you probably already have
  • Meal prep friendly — tastes even better the next day!

What You’ll Need

A few tools and ingredients that make this recipe shine:

• A 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot — the star of this recipe!
• Bourbon — or substitute with apple juice or chicken broth for alcohol-free
• Low-sodium soy sauce — gives you better control over saltiness
• Brown sugar — packed, for that signature sticky glaze
• Cornstarch — essential for thickening the sauce into a beautiful glaze

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup bourbon
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water
•  

Instructions

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the chicken Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season generously on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Place in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the sauce In a medium bowl whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until the brown sugar mostly dissolves.

Step 3: Cook Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. Don’t lift the lid during cooking!

Step 4: Thicken the sauce About 30 minutes before done, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth. Pour into the crockpot and stir gently.

Step 5: Final simmer Replace the lid and cook for the final 30 minutes until the sauce thickens into a gorgeous glaze.

Step 6: Serve Serve whole or shred with two forks. Serve hot over rice garnished with sliced green onions!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Use chicken thighs not breasts — thighs stay moist and juicy throughout the long cook time. Breasts can dry out.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry — it’s what transforms the cooking liquid into that incredible sticky glaze
• Always use cold water for the slurry — hot water causes cornstarch to clump
• Don’t lift the lid while cooking — every peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cook time
• Alcohol free version — substitute bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or a mix of apple cider vinegar and peach nectar
• Make it spicy — add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick

What to Serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Rice — fluffy white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice are perfect for soaking up the sauce
• Vegetables — steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or sautéed bell peppers
• Noodles — garlic noodles or lo mein for a takeout-style experience
• Potatoes — roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes are delicious too

How to Store Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens even more overnight — add a splash of water when reheating.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep — make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week over rice!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the bourbon cook off? Yes! The alcohol evaporates completely during the 3-4 hour cooking process, making it completely safe for the whole family including kids.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? You can, but thighs are strongly recommended. Breasts tend to dry out during long slow cooker cooking. If you use breasts, check them at the 2.5 hour mark on low.

Can I make this without bourbon? Absolutely! Substitute with apple juice, chicken broth, or a mix of apple cider vinegar and peach nectar for a delicious alcohol-free version.

Can I cook this on high? Yes — cook on HIGH for 3 hours instead of LOW for 4 hours. However the low and slow method produces the most tender, flavorful results.

Why is my sauce not thickening? Make sure you’re using cold water for the cornstarch slurry — hot water causes clumping. Also make sure the slurry is completely smooth before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I double this recipe? Yes! Double all ingredients and use an 8-quart slow cooker. Cook time stays the same.

More Easy Crockpot Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork (BBQ)

If you make this crockpot bourbon chicken I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest 🎉