Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delightfully straightforward dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. The slow cooker allows for deep flavors to develop over time, resulting in a meal that warms both the body and soul. This dish is particularly beloved for its ease of preparation – you can simply toss everything into your Crock Pot and let it do the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something comforting and delicious.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
What makes this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe special? For starters, the combination of bourbon and soy sauce creates a rich, complex flavor that’s irresistible. The brown sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce, while the apple cider vinegar adds a touch of brightness. You get a little kick from the garlic and ginger, making this dish multifaceted. Moreover, the ability to use chicken thighs ensures a juicy result without the worry of drying out. This recipe embraces the beauty of slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully, and giving you a tender dish that your family will love.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Directions
To prepare your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, start by deciding if you want to sear your chicken first; heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat is an option that gives you a nice golden crust. Sear the chicken thighs for around 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light brown color. This extra step not only enhances flavor but also adds a bit of richness to your meal.
Next, take a mixing bowl to create the bourbon sauce. Here, you’ll whisk together the bourbon, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and if you prefer a bit of spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure everything combines well to create a balanced sauce.
Once your sauce is ready, place the seared chicken into your slow cooker. Pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it covers all the pieces thoroughly. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors while cooking.
At this point, it’s time to cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to have it on low for about 4 to 6 hours or crank it up to high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re in a hurry. When your time is up, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.
Now, with the sauce still in the slow cooker, mix the cornstarch with water in a separate bowl to create a slurry. Add this back into the sauce in the slow cooker, allowing it to thicken for about 20 to 30 minutes on high. Once it’s nicely thickened, return your chicken to the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Finally, serve your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over a fluffy bed of rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that added flair. Your meal is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Serving Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is as straightforward as preparing it! Begin by placing a generous scoop of cooked rice on each plate. This serves as a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce of the chicken. Using a slotted spoon, carefully add a portion of the bourbon chicken on top of the rice.
To enhance the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings with friends. You might even want to serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Creating the perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken can be a breeze with a few expert tips. Firstly, opting for chicken thighs rather than breasts can ensure a juicier and more flavorful dish. Thighs have a higher fat content, which contributes to moisture during cooking.
Timing is also essential. If you have the time, cooking on low for the full duration allows flavors to develop deeper, but if you’re in a rush, the high setting works just fine as well. Make sure not to overcook your dish as that can lead to dryness; sticking within the recommended cooking times will keep your chicken tender and juicy.
Consider making extra sauce if you enjoy the flavor—it’s a fantastic addition to rice or can be preserved to drizzle over leftover chicken. Lastly, experimenting with additional spices can personalize the dish; feel free to add more garlic, a touch of honey, or even some citrus zest for a twist on the classic recipe.
How to Store Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Storing your leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a simple process that ensures you can enjoy this meal again later. Start by allowing the chicken to cool down completely. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container.
Make sure to include the sauce for added flavor when reheating. You can store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer if you wish to keep it longer—typically up to 3 months. If you choose to freeze it, portion the chicken and sauce into smaller containers for easy thawing.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re warmed throughout. If frozen, allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
While the classic Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is certainly a winner, feel free to explore a variety of adaptations based on your taste preferences. One popular twist is to incorporate vegetables into the dish. Adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can provide an additional layer of flavor and nutrition.
For a unique take, consider swapping out the chicken for turkey, which can provide a lighter option. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar or even trying a sweetener alternative.
If you want to experiment further, try adding different spices such as five-spice powder or a dash of cumin for a new flavor profile. Those who enjoy a touch of heat can amplify the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the sauce for added kick. Each variation opens a door to new culinary experiences with this beloved dish.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a tasty dish made with chicken cooked slowly in a bourbon-based sauce, resulting in tender meat and flavorful sauce.
How can I ensure my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is not too salty?
To reduce saltiness, always opt for low sodium soy sauce and ensure your chicken is well coated with the sauce before cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be cautious not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Serving it over cooked rice is ideal, but you can also pair it with vegetables, noodles, or even in wraps or sandwiches.
How do I make my sauce thicker?
You can thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then adding it to the sauce during the final cooking phase.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended for juiciness.
- 0.5 cup bourbon whiskey
- 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce Reduces overall saltiness.
- 0.5 cup brown sugar Balances the soy sauce.
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar Adds brightness.
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for spice.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water For slurry.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Optional, for browning the chicken.
- to serve cooked rice For serving.
- to garnish chopped green onions
- to garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Optionally sear the chicken thighs in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the seared chicken into the slow cooker and pour the bourbon sauce over it.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Thickening the Sauce
- Remove the chicken after cooking and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl to create a slurry and add it to the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Allow the sauce to thicken on high for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Serving
- Return the chicken to the sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
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