Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce that boasts sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make recipe utilizes your handy slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that you and your loved ones will savor.
Why We Love This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
There are several reasons this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a favorite among home cooks. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to choice for those busy afternoons when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at dinner time. You can throw the ingredients together in the morning and let the slow cooker work its magic so you can focus on other tasks. Additionally, the combination of sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and a hint of garlic creates a flavor profile that is both satisfying and addictive. It’s versatile, too—great for serving over rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish delivers great taste without the fuss.
Ingredients about Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
To prepare this delicious Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a breeze, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Here’s how to whip it up:
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine your bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until all the ingredients meld and form a consistent sauce. This sauce is what makes your chicken so flavorful.
- Set up the crockpot: Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them directly at the bottom of your crockpot. You can trim any excess fat if you prefer a leaner dish.
- Pour the sauce: Once the chicken is in the crockpot, pour the bourbon sauce mixture over the chicken thighs evenly. Make sure each piece of chicken is generously coated to absorb all those delicious flavors while cooking.
- Cook to perfection: Close the lid of your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for the high setting, which will cook it in 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: After the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This allows the pulled chicken to soak up even more of the sauce, creating a juicy and tasty dish.
- Serve: When ready to serve, spoon the bourbon chicken generously over a bed of rice or noodles. Finish off your meal with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
When it comes to serving your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, the possibilities are almost endless. For a comforting classic, serve it over fluffy white rice or a hearty brown rice for added nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, egg noodles or even quinoa can provide a delightful twist, making this dish adaptable to various dietary preferences. You might also want to pair it with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to add a fresh crunch to the plate. Don’t forget the garnish! A handful of sliced green onions adds not only a beautiful color contrast but also a burst of freshness that elevates your dish. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored and reheated easily, making this a practical choice for meal prep.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
To ensure your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Quality of bourbon: While you don’t need top-shelf bourbon for cooking, choose one that you enjoy drinking. The flavor will intensify during the cooking process, so a decent-quality bourbon will enhance your dish.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or even substitute it with a sweetener of your choice. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and tweak it according to your palate.
- Thicker sauce option: If you like a thicker sauce, consider removing the chicken once it’s done cooking and transferring the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer it on the stovetop to reduce it slightly before pouring it back over the shredded chicken.
- Herb infusions: Experiment with adding fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to your sauce for an aromatic twist that can elevate the overall flavor profile.
How to Store Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Storing your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is simple, and with the right methods, you can enjoy it for several days. Once it has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Ensure that you store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next 3 to 4 days. It’s a great meal prep option, as it reheats beautifully. If you would like to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing the shredded chicken in a freezer-friendly container or bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
While the traditional recipe for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even pineapple chunks into the crockpot for added taste and nutrition. These ingredients will soak up the delicious sauce while cooking.
- Spice it up: Boost the flavor profile by adding a teaspoon of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
- Switch up the protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, feel free to use boneless chicken breasts or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari, which offers a similar taste without the gluten content.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a slow-cooked dish made with chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful sauce made of bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. It is known for its tender meat and sweet and savory flavors.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts in place of chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook a bit faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Cooking time can vary based on your selection of low or high heat settings. On low, you should cook it for 4 to 6 hours, while on high, it takes about 2 to 3 hours.
What can I serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
This dish is delicious served over rice, noodles, or quinoa. It can also be served alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal.
How do I store leftover Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months.
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a delightful addition to your meal rotation, offering convenience and flavor in one handy dish. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious meal that awaits you!
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup bourbon Choose a quality bourbon you enjoy drinking.
- 1 cup brown sugar Adjust amount to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce For a gluten-free version, use tamari.
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish) Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Place boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks in the crockpot to allow it to absorb the sauce.
Serving
- Serve the shredded bourbon chicken over rice, noodles, or quinoa, garnished with chopped green onions.
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