Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, sweet, and savory bourbon glaze.
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal made easy!
With just a handful of pantry staples, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with fall-apart chicken drenched in an irresistible sauce.
Serve it over a bowl of fluffy rice, garnish with green onions, and get ready for a dish that tastes just like your favorite takeout—but better.
Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this easy slow-cooker recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
For Bourbon Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make this dish extra juicy and flavorful. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Bourbon (or Substitute) – Adds a deep, rich flavor. If you prefer non-alcoholic, swap with apple juice or chicken broth.
- Brown Sugar – Brings the perfect balance of sweetness to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce – A key ingredient that gives the sauce a savory, umami flavor.
- Garlic – Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with bold flavor.
For Thickening the Sauce
- Cornstarch – Helps create a rich, glossy sauce.
- Cold Water – Mixed with cornstarch to form a slurry for thickening.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Notes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup bourbon (or whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce – In a medium bowl, mix bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well, then pour over the chicken.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water. Stir this mixture into the crockpot 30 minutes before the cooking time ends to thicken the sauce.
- Serve – Enjoy over rice and garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes & Variations
- Substitute chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar.
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 0.05g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. However, thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking.
2. What can I use as a substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with apple juice or chicken broth. These alternatives provide a different flavor profile but still result in a delicious dish.
3. Can I cook the chicken from frozen in the crockpot?
It’s recommended to thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. Cooking frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking and may keep the meat in the temperature “danger zone” for too long, potentially leading to food safety issues.
4. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, then continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha sauce to the glaze when mixing the ingredients. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
