Must-Try Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers that restaurant-quality, sweet and savory flavor you love, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up a rich, glossy sauce that’s simply irresistible.

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

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: You only need about 10 minutes to get everything into the crockpot. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors into a rich, delicious sauce.

• Incredibly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking is the perfect method for chicken thighs, making them fall-apart tender and juicy every time.

• A Perfect “Fakeaway” Meal: Get all the satisfaction of your favorite food court bourbon chicken at home. It’s more affordable, and you control all the ingredients.

• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: This cut of meat is ideal for the slow cooker as it has a bit more fat, which keeps it moist and flavorful over a long cooking period. You can use chicken breasts, but they may become dry if overcooked.

• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning the chicken before cooking is a crucial first layer of flavor.

• 1/3 cup bourbon: This adds a deep, slightly oaky, and complex flavor that is characteristic of the dish. The alcohol cooks off during the process, making it safe for the whole family. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice, chicken broth, or a mix of apple cider vinegar and peach nectar.

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: This is the key to the sauce’s signature sweetness and helps create a thick, glaze-like consistency.

• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the essential salty and umami flavor. Using a low-sodium version gives you better control over the final saltiness of the dish.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This is your thickening agent. It’s essential for transforming the cooking liquid into a rich, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken.

• 3 tablespoons cold water: Always mix cornstarch with a cold liquid to create a “slurry” before adding it to the hot sauce. This prevents lumps from forming.

Instructions

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

2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Continue whisking until the brown sugar has mostly dissolved into the liquid.

3. Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. For the most tender results, the “low and slow” method is recommended. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can increase the cooking time.

4. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water together until a smooth, milky paste forms with no lumps.

5. Final Simmer: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot while gently stirring the sauce. This will ensure it thickens evenly. Replace the lid and allow the chicken to cook for the final 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a beautiful glaze.

6. Serve: Once cooked, you can serve the chicken thighs whole or shred them with two forks directly in the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce. Serve hot over a bed of rice, garnished with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

What to Serve with Bourbon Chicken

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides to make a complete and satisfying meal.

Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a mix of sautéed bell peppers and onions add freshness and nutrition.

Noodles: Serve with simple garlic noodles or lo mein for a takeout-style experience.

Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or even a side of creamy mashed potatoes would also be a delicious pairing.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they are leaner and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on LOW and check for doneness to ensure they remain tender.

Will this dish taste strongly of alcohol?
No, the alcohol from the bourbon completely evaporates during the cooking process, leaving behind a deep, rich flavor without the alcoholic taste, making it perfectly safe for children.

My sauce is too thin. What did I do wrong?
If your sauce hasn’t thickened enough after adding the cornstarch slurry, you can create a little more (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it in. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on HIGH until it reaches your desired consistency. Slow cookers vary, and sometimes extra liquid is released from the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives. Ensure your brand of bourbon is also certified gluten-free if you have a high sensitivity.