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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- ⅓ cup Bourbon
- ¾ cup Packed Brown Sugar
- ¾ cup Low-sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Cold Water
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
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.
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