Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

The rich aroma of bourbon, garlic, and brown sugar wafts through the kitchen as this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken slowly simmers to perfection. Juicy chicken thighs soak up every drop of the sweet and savory sauce, delivering a flavor that’s bold, balanced, and deeply comforting.

Ideal for a fuss-free dinner, this recipe transforms pantry staples into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even inside lettuce wraps for a versatile, family-friendly meal. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, special gatherings, or cozy nights when you want restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup bourbon

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and lightly sear for 2–3 minutes until just browned.

2. Transfer chicken to the crock pot.

3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

4. Pour sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Stir to coat.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6. In the final 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into crock pot to thicken sauce.

7. Once the sauce thickens, serve the chicken hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Bourbon Chicken is one of those dishes that has earned a permanent place in the world of comfort food, and for good reason. With its savory, sweet, and slightly smoky glaze, tender chunks of chicken, and the irresistible balance of Asian and Southern American flavors, it’s a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Originally inspired by Cajun and Chinese cuisine, Bourbon Chicken was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans not just the spirit used in the recipe.

What makes this Crock Pot version so special is the simplicity it brings to the cooking process. Using a slow cooker not only enhances the flavor profile but also makes this an easy weeknight dinner option that can be prepped in minutes and left to cook while you go about your day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for a crowd, or just want a low-effort dinner, this recipe ticks every box.

A Bit of History Behind Bourbon Chicken

Despite its Southern-sounding name, Bourbon Chicken is often associated with Chinese-American mall food courts. It became popular during the 1980s when food courts began popping up across the United States, serving fast and flavorful Asian-inspired dishes. The “bourbon” in the name references Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but the dish itself is more fusion than Southern.

The addition of bourbon whiskey helps cut through the sweetness and provides a unique depth to the sauce although it’s perfectly fine to omit the alcohol or use a substitute if preferred.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking: Everything is combined in the crock pot, allowing you to set it and forget it. The result is flavorful, fall-apart chicken with minimal hands-on time.

2. Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet from brown sugar and ketchup, savory from soy sauce and garlic, and a kick from ginger and red pepper flakes.

3. Great for Meal Prep: It stores well and reheats beautifully. Serve it over rice or noodles for multiple meals.

4. Customizable: Easily adjustable for dietary needs, including gluten-free or alcohol-free versions.

5. Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the saucy, sticky goodness of bourbon chicken.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the core ingredients and why they work so well together:

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal because they remain juicy during slow cooking and absorb the sauce beautifully. You could substitute chicken breasts, but thighs provide better texture and flavor.

• Soy Sauce: This adds the umami and saltiness that balances out the sweet elements of the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.

• Bourbon: While this is a signature ingredient, it’s not essential. Bourbon gives the sauce a rich, slightly smoky flavor with caramel undertones. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with apple juice or chicken broth.

• Ketchup and Brown Sugar: These provide the base for the sticky glaze. Ketchup adds tang and color, while brown sugar deepens the sweetness.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of acidity cuts through the richness and balances the overall flavor.

• Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add warmth and a subtle spice that enhances the savory-sweet sauce.

• Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce at the end, giving it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

• Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch can add just enough heat to contrast with the sweetness without being overpowering.

Tips for Making the Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• Sear the Chicken First: While technically optional, browning the chicken before adding it to the crock pot adds extra flavor and texture. It helps lock in juices and gives the dish more depth.

• Cook on Low for Best Results: Low and slow cooking yields the most tender chicken. Cooking on high is okay in a pinch but may slightly reduce the depth of flavor.

• Thicken the Sauce: Be sure to mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot crock pot. This ensures it dissolves properly and avoids clumping.

• Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, chicken can still become too soft or stringy if left too long. Aim for 6 hours on low or 3–4 on high for best texture.

• Make it a Bowl: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Add a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a complete meal.

Variations and Add-ins

• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add a cup of pineapple chunks for a fruity twist that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy sauce.

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add extra crushed red pepper or a splash of Sriracha if you enjoy heat.

• Vegetable Boost: Toss in some bell peppers, baby corn, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your ketchup and vinegar are certified gluten-free.

• Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute the bourbon with apple juice or unsweetened apple cider. You’ll retain the depth and sweetness without the alcohol content.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best things about Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is that it stores exceptionally well.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This saucy chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

• Over Steamed Rice: The classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

• With Noodles: Toss with lo mein or ramen noodles for a takeout-style meal.

• In Lettuce Wraps: Use the chicken and sauce as a filling for a low-carb option.

• On Sandwich Buns: Makes for a deliciously messy bourbon chicken sandwich with a crunchy slaw.

• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of vegetables for a complete and balanced plate.

Nutritional Notes

Each serving of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is approximately 320 calories (based on standard ingredients and portion sizes). The dish is high in protein and offers a satisfying balance of sweet and savory flavors. You can lighten it up by reducing the amount of sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a dish that brings bold flavor and ease to your dinner table. With its roots in fusion cuisine and its popularity stemming from both Southern comfort food and Asian-inspired dishes, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the chicken with rich, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors that are hard to resist.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, prepping meals ahead of time, or looking to impress friends and family with a delicious homemade meal, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s customizable, beginner-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd.

So go ahead and break out that crock pot, grab your ingredients, and let the magic begin. This is comfort food at its finest, and once you try it, you’ll be adding Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken to your regular rotation.